Abstract: A photovoltaic device, such as a solar cell, including a copper-containing-grid metallization structure that contains a metal phosphorus layer as a diffusion barrier is provided. The copper-containing-grid metallization structure includes, from bottom to top, an electroplated metal phosphorus layer that does not include copper or a copper alloy located within a grid pattern formed on a front side surface of a semiconductor substrate, and an electroplated copper-containing layer. A method of forming such a structure is also provided.

Abstract: Alternative additives that can be used in place of isopropyl alcohol in aqueous alkaline etchant solutions for texturing a surface of a single-crystalline silicon substrate are provided. The alternative additives do not have volatile constituents, yet can be used in an aqueous alkaline etchant solution to provide a pyramidal shaped texture surface to the single-crystalline silicon substrate that is exposed to such an etchant solution. Also provided is a method of forming a textured silicon surface. The method includes immersing a single-crystalline silicon substrate into an etchant solution to form a pyramid shaped textured surface on the single-crystalline silicon substrate. The etchant solution includes an alkaline component, silicon (etched into the solution as a bath conditioner) and glycerol or ethylene glycol as an additive. The textured surface of the single-crystalline silicon substrate has (111) faces that are now exposed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device or a photovoltaic cell having a contact structure, which includes a silicon (Si) substrate; a metal alloy layer deposited on the silicon substrate; a metal silicide layer and a diffusion layer formed simultaneously from thermal annealing the metal alloy layer; and a metal layer deposited on the metal silicide and barrier layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved method of providing a Ni silicide metal contact on a silicon surface by electrodepositing a Ni film on a silicon substrate. The improved method results in a controllable silicide formation wherein the silicide has a uniform thickness. The metal contacts may be incorporated in, for example, CMOS devices, MEM (micro-electro-mechanical) devices, and photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A semiconductor device or a photovoltaic cell having a contact structure, which includes a silicon (Si) substrate; a metal alloy layer deposited on the silicon substrate; a metal silicide layer and a diffusion layer formed simultaneously from thermal annealing the metal alloy layer; and a metal layer deposited on the metal silicide and barrier layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of forming a back side surface field of a solar cell without utilizing screen printing. The method includes first forming a p-type dopant layer directly on the back side surface of the semiconductor substrate that includes a p/n junction utilizing an electrodeposition method. The p/n junction is defined as the interface that is formed between an n-type semiconductor portion of the substrate and an underlying p-type semiconductor portion of the substrate. The plated structure is then annealed to from a P++ back side surface field layer directly on the back side surface of the semiconductor substrate. Optionally, a metallic film can be electrodeposited on an exposed surface of the P++ back side surface layer.