Abstract: Methods and structures for photovoltaic back contact solar cells having multi-level metallization with at least one aluminum-silicon alloy metallization layer are provided.

Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures relating to multi-level metallization for solar cells as well as fabrication methods and structures for forming thin film back contact solar cells are provided.

Abstract: Non-contact and non-invasive temperature measurement structures and methods for thermal processing systems which neither damage nor contaminate the thermal processing environment are provided.

Abstract: Processing equipment for the metallization of a plurality of workpieces are provided. The equipment comprising a controlled atmospheric region isolated from external oxidizing ambient with at least one deposition zone for the application of a metal layer on a workpiece. A transport system moves the workpiece positioned in a batch carrier plate through the controlled atmospheric region.

Abstract: Methods for improving the light trapping characteristics of crystalline silicon solar cells are provided. In one embodiment, the backside surface of a crystalline silicon solar cell substrate is textured with a pulsed laser beam. The textured backside surface of the crystalline silicon solar cell substrate is then annealed to remove damage from the laser texturization process.

Abstract: Methods and structures are provided for the growth and separation of a relatively thin layer crystalline compound semiconductor material containing III-V device layers, including but not limited to Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), on top of a crystalline silicon template wafer. Solar cell structures and manufacturing methods based on the crystalline compound semiconductor material are described.

Abstract: Methods and structures for fabricating photovoltaic back contact solar cells having multi-level metallization using laser via drilling end point detection are provided.

Abstract: Fabrication methods and structures relating to multi-level metallization for solar cells as well as fabrication methods and structures for forming back contact solar cells are provided.

Abstract: Laser processing schemes are disclosed for producing various types of hetero-junction and homo-junction solar cells. The methods include base and emitter contact opening, selective doping, and metal ablation. Also, laser processing schemes are disclosed that are suitable for selective amorphous silicon ablation and selective doping for hetero-junction solar cells. These laser processing techniques may be applied to semiconductor substrates, including crystalline silicon substrates, and further including crystalline silicon substrates which are manufactured either through wire saw wafering methods or via epitaxial deposition processes, that are either planar or textured/three-dimensional. These techniques are highly suited to thin crystalline semiconductor, including thin crystalline silicon films.

Abstract: An anodizing apparatus for causing an anodizing reaction to substrates immersed in an electrolyte solution. The apparatus includes a storage tank for storing the electrolyte solution, a holder for holding a plurality of substrates in liquid-tight contact with circumferential surfaces of the substrates, a moving mechanism for moving the holder between a transfer position outside the storage tank and a treating position inside the storage tank, and a closing device disposed in the storage tank for cooperating with the holder to complete a liquid-tight closure of the circumferential surfaces of the substrates held by the holder. Chemical reaction treatment is carried out with the circumferential surfaces of the substrates placed in a liquid-tight state. After the chemical reaction treatment is completed, the closing device is made inoperative and the holder is moved away from the treating position to unload the substrates from the storage tank.