Patents by Inventor Gary A. Pollock

Gary A. Pollock has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method of making thin film heterojunction solar cell
    Patent number: 5474939
    Abstract: A thin film photovoltaic device comprises a metal back contact having a first p-type semiconductor film of CVD CIS thereon; a second, transparent, n-type semiconductor film of CVD zinc oxide on the CIS and a thin interfacial film of transparent, insulating zinc oxide between the p-type CIS film and the n-type metal oxide. The interfacial zinc oxide film is formed by depositing zinc hydroxide on the CIS from a solution of one of zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, and zinc acetate and complexing agents comprising ammonium hydroxide and TEA and annealing the deposit to convert the zinc hydroxide to form the zinc oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Solar Industries International
    Inventors: Gary A. Pollock, Kim W. Mitchell
  • Thin film solar cell and method of making
    Patent number: 4915745
    Abstract: A structure for, and method of making, thin films of Group I-III-VI compound semiconductors such as copper indium diselenide for use in heterojunction photovoltaic devices fabricated on metal substrates. An interfacial film containing gallium is first deposited upon the substrate. Thereafter, copper and indium films are deposited and the resulting stacked film is heated in the presence of a source of selenium to form copper indium diselenide semiconductor material with improved adhesion to the substrate and improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Gary A. Pollock, Kim W. Mitchell, James H. Ermer