Abstract: An ultraviolet light sensor and method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The ultraviolet light sensor includes Group-III Nitride layers adjacent to a silicon wafer with one of the layers at least partially exposed such that a surface thereof can receive UV light to be detected. The Group-III Nitride layers include a p-type layer and an n-type layer, with p/n junctions therebetween forming at least one diode. Conductive contacts are arranged to conduct electrical current through the sensor as a function of ultraviolet light received at the outer Group-III Nitride layer. The Group-III Nitride layers may be formed from, e.g., GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, or InAlN. The sensor may include a buffer layer between one of the Group-III Nitride layers and the silicon wafer. By utilizing silicon as the substrate on which the UV sensor diode is formed, a UV sensor can be produced that is small, efficient, cost-effective, and compatible with other semiconductor circuits and processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell or component thereof that includes a p-type thin film solar light absorbing layer having one or more compositions of group II-VI alloys described as CdTexM1-x, where M is S, Se or O. An n-type thin-film transparent window layer comprising CdS is provided adjacent to the CdTexMi-x p-type thin film solar light absorbing layer such that a p-n junction formed between the layers.