Abstract: Disclosed is a process for substantially reducing the series resistance of a solar cell having a thick film metal contact assembly thereon while simultaneously removing oxide coatings from the surface of the assembly prior to applying solder therewith. The process includes applying a flux to the contact assembly and heating the cell for a period of time sufficient to substantially remove the series resistance associated with the assembly by etching the assembly with the flux while simultaneously removing metal oxides from said surface of said assembly.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic containing Li.sub.2 O, CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2, platinum and Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5 is disclosed. It is highly suitable for use in dental restorations because of its combination of castability, chemical durability and mechanical strength. The aesthetic qualities of natural teeth may be reproduced by proper control of processing parameters, e.g. addition of coloring additives and devitrification heat treatment schedule. Dental restorations may be made by casting a melt in a conventional dental laboratory investment mold, followed by devitrification. Fracture of cast margins is avoided because of the mechanical strength and toughness of the glass-ceramic. Partial restorations can be bonded with dental cement directly to the tooth of a recipient without the need for building the restoration upon an undercoat of metal alloy.