Abstract: Method of determining contaminants in a semiconductor processing apparatus in which a high purity, high carrier lifetime semiconductor test wafer is processed and the degradation of its carrier lifetime is determined.

Abstract: A method for processing solar cells, and particularly thin solar cells is disclosed. The method contemplates processing the front surface of the cell on a wafer of normal thickness. A transparent substrate is adhered to the front of the processed cell. The bulk semiconductor layer is then thinned to the desired thickness. An amorphous doped semiconductor material is applied to the back surface of the thinned wafer and exposed to pulsed laser energy having a duration and intensity long enough to melt the amorphous material, but short enough to prevent thermal damage to the bondline. A back surface dielectric, backside contact mask and back surface reflector metal complete the cell.

Abstract: A method for converting solar energy to electricity is provided using solid-liquid interface photoelectrochemical cells wherein the liquid phase comprises a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte dissolved therein forming an ionically conductive solution and a redox couple suitable to accept and donate electrons from and to the electrodes. The redox couple is present in an amount sufficient to sustain a predetermined current and the concentrations of the electrolyte and redox couple in the solution are sufficient to provide no greater than a selected small voltage drop relative to the output voltage of the cell. The efficiency of conversion of light to electrical energy of such photoelectrochemical cells is 10% and greater.

Abstract: Solid-liquid interface photoelectrochemical cells are provided wherein the liquid phase comprises a nonaqueous solvent, an electrolyte dissolved therein forming an ionically conductive solution and a redox couple suitable to accept and donate electrons from and to the electrodes. The redox couple is present in an amount sufficient to sustain a predetermined current and the concentrations of the electrolyte and redox couple in the solution are sufficient to provide no greater than a selected small voltage drop relative to the output voltage of the cell. The efficiency of conversion of light to electrical energy of such photoelectrochemical cells are 10% and greater.