Abstract: A method of forming a metal-coated substrate having a CuInGaR2 film on a surface of the metal coating is performed in such a manner that reaction of the metal with Se is substantially prevented, wherein R is Se or a combination of Se and S and wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Cr, Ta, Nb, V and Ti. The method includes the steps of: providing a precursor film on the surface of the metal coating, wherein the metal coating contains oxygen in an amount sufficient to inhibit reaction of the metal with Se; and selenizing the precursor film; wherein said selenizing is limited to providing only that amount of Se required to form the CuInGaR2 film.

Abstract: A physical vapor deposition effusion method comprising translating a strip material through a physical vapor deposition zone in a deposition chamber and providing first and second substantially closed vessels located serially along the processing path in the same deposition chamber, each vessel emitting different source materials to produce overlapping plumes and having an array of vapor delivery nozzles distributed uniformly across the vessel along the width of the zone, and configured to expel overlapping plumes to create a fog having a substantially uniform composition across the width and a varying composition across the length of the zone. Also, an elongate vapor deposition effusion vessel having an elongate lid including plural nozzles spaced from each other along its elongate axis, and a continuous heating element in the lid encircling the plural nozzles, the heating element having electrical contacts connected to an electrical source on the same side of the vessel.

Abstract: A process and composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide sulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating.

Abstract: A composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenidesulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention comprises a thermal evaporation source comprising an evaporant chamber, a heater for providing heat to the evaporation chamber; and a crucible in thermal communication with the evaporation chamber for containing a volume of evaporant. The evaporant chamber comprises a first material of construction, and the crucible comprises a second material of construction different from the first material of construction and having a lesser porosity with respect to the evaporant than the first material of construction. For example, for a copper evaporant, the evaporant chamber may comprise a sintered material, such as sintered graphite, and the crucible may comprise a pyrolytic material, such as pyrolytic graphite or pyrolytic boron nitride.

Abstract: A physical vapor deposition effusion method comprising translating a strip material through a physical vapor deposition zone in a deposition chamber and providing first and second substantially closed vessels located serially along the processing path in the same deposition chamber, each vessel emitting different source materials to produce overlapping plumes and having an array of vapor delivery nozzles distributed uniformly across the vessel along the width of the zone, and configured to expel overlapping plumes to create a fog having a substantially uniform composition across the width and a varying composition across the length of the zone. Also, an elongate vapor deposition effusion vessel having an elongate lid including plural nozzles spaced from each other along its elongate axis, and a continuous heating element in the lid encircling the plural nozzles, the heating element having electrical contacts connected to an electrical source on the same side of the vessel.

Abstract: A process and composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide sulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle thermal evaporation source includes a plurality of nozzles having a tapered shape. The nozzles may comprise a thermally conductive material having a low emissivity material.

Abstract: Thin films are produced by a method wherein a material is heated in a furnace placed inside a vacuum system. An inert gas is flown over/through the heated material. The vapors of the material are entrained in the carrier gas which is then directed onto a substrate heated to a temperature below that of the furnace temperature and placed in close proximity to the exit of the furnace.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle thermal evaporation source includes a plurality of nozzles having a tapered shape. The nozzles may comprise a thermally conductive material having a low emissivity material.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle thermal evaporation source includes a plurality of nozzles having a tapered shape. The nozzles may be coated with a thermally conductive material with a low emissivity material.

Abstract: A multiple nozzle thermal evaporation source includes a plurality of nozzles having a tapered shape. The nozzles may be coated with a thermally conductive material with a low emissivity material.

Abstract: Thin films are produced by a method wherein a material is heated in a furnace placed inside a vacuum system. An inert gas is flown over/through the heated material. The vapors of the material are entrained in the carrier gas which is then directed onto a substrate heated to a temperature below that of the furnace temperature and placed in close proximity to the exit of the furnace.