Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a movable megasonic wafer probe. A method is disclosed including positioning a movable probe on a wafer surface, the movable probe having an open bottom portion that exposes a portion of the wafer surface; applying a liquid onto the wafer surface through a bottom portion of the movable probe; and moving the movable probe at a predetermined scan speed to traverse the wafer surface, applying the liquid to the wafer surface while moving over the wafer surface. In additional embodiments the method includes providing a transducer for applying megasonic energy to the wafer surface. Apparatus embodiments are disclosed including the movable megasonic wafer probe.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is accessed to a terminal through a network. A situation inside a house can be real-time checked from the outside, and the situation can be rapidly handled according to a state of the robot cleaner. The robot cleaner can patrol a predetermined region or move to a user's desired location, and can provide, to the user through the terminal, images captured on a moving path or the user's desired location. The robot cleaner can provide image information captured during the cleaning to the terminal. And, the terminal can video-record the image information.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method includes removing a foreign material attached to a substrate while preventing deterioration of the substrate and any film formed on or above the substrate. A cleaning gas at a pressure between 0.3 MPa and 2.0 MPa is sprayed towards a wafer W with attached foreign material 22 placed in a near-vacuum, producing clusters 21 made up of a multitude of gas molecules 20, and the clusters 21 collide with the wafer W without undergoing ionization.

Abstract: A pulse detonation device can provide one or more shock waves to an operating device. The pulse detonation device includes a pulse detonation chamber providing one or more shock waves, at least one pulse detonation outlet extending into the operating device and in operative association with the pulse detonation chamber, and a rotary union. The rotary union rotatably attaches the pulse detonation chamber to the at least one pulse detonation outlet, wherein the at least one pulse detonation outlet can move with respect to the pulse detonation chamber. The at least one pulse detonation outlet is rotatable within the operating device and can deliver the one or more shock waves to a plurality of locations within the operating device.

Abstract: A method of cleaning one or more air filter elements with a cleaning arrangement includes a rotatable basket for holding the one or more air filters, a spraying device for spraying cleaning fluid into the basket, and a driving unit for driving the basket into rotational motion. The method includes placing the one or more air filter elements in the basket, and performing at least three cleaning cycles. A cleaning cycle comprises the following steps. First the rotation of the basket is driven up to a rotational speed at which the one or more air filter elements have a speed greater than about 15 m/s, preferably greater than about 20 m/s. Then the rotation of the basket is brought back to a rotational speed at which the one or more air filter elements have a speed below about 2 m/s. In addition, the cleaning cycle includes spraying cleaning fluid into the basket during at least a portion of the cycle.

Abstract: Processing and drying of a sample, such as a semiconductor or MEMS device, is achieved using a single pressure chamber. The pressure chamber holds the sample in a sealed interior volume throughout various process steps, such as, but not limited to, photoresist removal, sacrificial layer etching, flushing or rinsing, dehydration, and critical point drying. The pressure chamber is constructed of a chemically-resistant and pressure-resistant material to withstand the various chemicals and pressures that are encountered in the various process and drying steps. For example, the pressure chamber is constructed from a nickel-copper alloy. Automated release etching and critical point drying of a MEMS or semiconductor device is provided without removing the device from the sealed pressure chamber.

Abstract: A processing unit includes third discharge nozzles. Each of the third discharge nozzles discharges a processing liquid toward a lower tapered surface of a groove of a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration formed in a side wall of an inner bath. This forms relatively low-speed liquid flows within the inner bath. The processing unit further includes plate-like members. The plate-like members block upward ones of the liquid flows discharged from the third discharge nozzles and impinging upon the lower tapered surfaces of the inner bath. This achieves the efficient replacement of the processing liquid without disturbing upward flows of the processing liquid within the inner bath. Thus, the processing liquid stored in the processing bath is efficiently replaced with another processing liquid without disturbing the upward flows of the processing liquid within the processing bath.

Abstract: A method controllably and sustainably creates an upwardly directed gradient of dropping temperatures in a wet treatment tank between a cooled and face down workpiece (e.g., an in-process semiconductor wafer) and a lower down heat source. A thermal fluid upwell containing thermally collapsible bubbles is then directed from the heat source to the face down workpiece. In one class of embodiments, bubble collapse energy release and/or bubble collapse locations are controlled so as to avoid exposing delicate features of the to-be-treated surface to damaging forces. In one class of embodiments the wet treatment includes ultra-cleaning of the work face. Cleaning fluids that are essentially free of predefined contaminates are upwelled to the to-be-cleaned surface and potentially contaminated after-flows are convectively directed away from the workpiece so as to prevent recontamination of the workpiece.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine is used for pre-rinse operation of soiled dishes. A cavity is configured and arranged to contain the soiled dishes. A nozzle is proximate the cavity and is in fluid communication with the cavity. An accumulator pan accumulates wash and rinse water including cleaning chemicals used in a previous cycle of the dishwashing machine. A fluid passageway interconnects the nozzle and the accumulator pan. A pump directs the accumulated wash and rinse water from the accumulator pan to the nozzle via the fluid passageway for pre-rinse operation of the soiled dishes in the cavity, and the nozzle directs the accumulated wash and rinse water into the cavity with the soiled dishes to assist in removing soil from the soiled dishes prior to a wash cycle of the dishwashing machine. The wash cycle utilizes fresh wash water.

Abstract: Provided is a dish washer. The dish washer includes a tub configured to accommodate dishes, a sump configured to supply water to the tub, and a water supply device configured to supply water received from an outer source to the sump or the tub. The water supply device includes a body and a plurality of discharge parts. The body includes a water supply passage along which water supplied from an outer source flows and a water chamber in which water supplied through the water supply passage is stored. Water is discharged from the water supply passage to the water chamber through the discharge parts.

Abstract: Apparatuses are provided for cleaning a processing component using megasonic energy including megasonic tanks, scanning megasonic plates, megasonic jets, and megasonic sweeping beams etc., in combination with selective chemistries to remove sub-micron particulate contaminants from the surfaces of the processing component that is used in cleaning semiconductor, medical, or any other processing substrates. The apparatus includes a processing chamber having a carrier element that is configured to support the processing component. The carrier element includes a mechanism to flip the processing component within the processing chamber during cleaning. A fluid supply assembly supplies a fluid to a surface of the processing component and a beam assembly equipped with a megasonic transducer is used to provide high frequency megasonic acoustic energy to the fluid during cleaning.

Abstract: The application relates to a dishwasher (10) which comprises: a washing chamber (12) with a top wall (18), a vertical back wall (14), two opposing vertical side walls (16), a water-collecting bottom (20) at its lower end, a frontal access opening (22) for loading articles to be cleaned, and a door (23) for closing said access opening, at least one basket (24) for accommodating the articles to be cleaned, wherein the basket is laterally supported for sliding movement out of and into the washing chamber on a pair of guide rails (30) which are opposingly arranged inside the washing chamber, and a dispenser (38, 40; 48) for providing an additive to cleaning water to be circulated within the washing chamber. In accordance with the invention the dispenser (38, 40; 48) is provided within one of the guide rails (30).

Abstract: A solar energy conversion device comprises a vertical stack of at least two panels stacked in a hierarchy from an upper panel to a lower panel with each of the panels including a matching array of solar cells having a different energy bandgap from other panels of solar cells in the vertical stack of panels. Each panel in the vertical stack may be arranged with one of the panels having solar cells with a higher energy bandgap situated in the hierarchy and in the stack above others of the panels containing solar cells with a lower energy bandgap. The top surface of the device is adapted for receiving solar energy incident upon the uppermost panel. Each upper panel absorbs a fraction of sunlight with larger solar photon energies larger than the energy bandgap thereof.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules including a plurality of solar cells bonded to a module back sheet are described herein, wherein each solar cell includes a superstrate bonded to a front side of a photovoltaic device to facilitate handling of very thin photovoltaic devices during fabrication of the module. Modules may also include module front sheets and the solar cells may include bottom sheets. The modules may be made of flexible materials, and may be foldable. Fabrication processes include tabbing photovoltaic devices prior to attaching the individual superstrates.

Abstract: A solar conversion assembly comprises: a) a type III-V multiple cell stack solar cell device b) a silicon solar cell device c) a band splitting device located relative to the type III-V solar cell device and the silicon solar cell device. The band splitting device splits light falling on the splitting device into a plurality of wavelength bands and directs a first of said bands to the type III-V solar cell device and the second of said bands to the silicon solar cell device.

Abstract: A concentrating hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic collector comprises a close structure concentrator and a vacuum tube hybrid solar thermal and photovoltaic converter to generate electricity and high temperature heat in the mean time. The close structure of concentrator makes it possible to manufacture concentrator with thin and light-weight materials and get rid of support and fastening materials of conventional open concentrator, but still retain strong mechanical strength to against wind load. This structure enables the significant cost and weight reduction. This structure is also able to increase the optical efficiency relative to open system and provides natural protection to relative surface of the concentrator. This structure protects the thermal and photovoltaic converter from any contaminations.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is formed by encasing the edge of the photovoltaic module with a dielectric while passing internal module conductors through the edge encased. The edge encasing may be an overmolded dielectric through which the internal conductors pass or connectors may be provided in the overmolded dielectric to allow for external connection to the module. The photovoltaic module can also include mechanical attachment points formed in the molded dielectric to allow the module to be attached to a support structure.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system including a wedge-shaped carrier and at least one solar cell. The photovoltaic system has an intermediate space for means for electrically connecting the at least one solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer material which has a layer (A) that contains a silane coupling agent and an ethylene type zinc ionomer, and a layer (B) that contains at least one of an ethylene type magnesium ionomer or an ethylene type sodium ionomer. The multilayer material is suitable for use as an encapsulant for a solar cell or an interlayer for safety (laminated) glass. It is preferable that the multilayer material contains at least two of the layer (A) and at least one of the layer (B) and has a multilayered structure in which the layer (B) is interposed between the two of the layer (A).

Abstract: Disclosed are a transparent conductive substrate comprising a transparent conductive thin film layer and a transparent metal oxide layer disposed in this order on one or both surfaces of a substrate, the transparent metal oxide layer having numerous fine pores penetrating from the front surface to the rear surface thereof, and the pore diameters of the pores at the surface that is opposite to the surface that is in contact with the transparent conductive thin film layer being larger than those at the surface that is in contact with the transparent conductive thin film layer; and a method for producing the transparent conductive substrate, comprising forming the transparent metal oxide layer on the surface of the transparent conductive thin film layer or transparent conductive thin film layers by oblique deposition.

Abstract: A solar cell is formed to have a silicon semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer having a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type and formed on a first surface of the silicon semiconductor substrate; a back surface field layer having the first conductive type and formed on a second surface of the silicon semiconductor substrate opposite to the first surface; and wherein the emitter layer includes at least a first shallow doping area and the back surface field layer includes at least a second shallow doping area, and wherein a thickness of the first shallow doping area of the emitter layer is different from a thickness of the second shallow doping area of the back surface field layer.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode positioned on the substrate, a second electrode separated from the first electrode, and a photoelectric conversion unit positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a p-type semiconductor layer, an intrinsic semiconductor layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer includes a first doped layer, a second doped layer, and a third doped layer. A carbon content of the second doped layer positioned between the first doped layer and the third doped layer is more than a carbon content of the first doped layer and a carbon content of the third doped layer.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for a multi-junction solar cell is described herein. An exemplary silicon germanium solar cell structure has a substrate with a graded buffer layer grown on the substrate. A base layer and emitter layer for a first solar cell are grown in or on the graded buffer layer. A first junction is provided between the emitter layer and the base layer. A second solar cell is grown on top of the first solar cell.

Abstract: Back contact materials and processes for use in the manufacturing of CdTe, CIGS, and CZTS TFPV superstrate solar cells are described. High conductivity, high work function materials of ReO3 are used to form the ohmic contact to the absorber layers of the TFPV solar cells. The ReO3 materials may be implemented alone or in combination with other high conductivity materials to for the back contact layer stack.

Abstract: A solar energy cell includes a photoelectric conversion layer, an anti-reflection layer and a plurality of electrical conductive channels. The anti-reflection layer is disposed on the photoelectric conversion layer. The electrical conductive channels are disposed on the anti-reflection layer and electrically connected with the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the electrical conductive channels include a conductive paste and pigments to enable a color thereof to be substantially the same as a color of the anti-reflection layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell. The dye-sensitized solar cell includes a working electrode and a counter electrode configured to join the working electrode. The working electrode includes a photo electrode having a plurality of photo electrode cells coated on a transparent conductive substrate and arranged in linear rows and a collector having a plurality of collector cells coated on the transparent conductive substrate and arranged along perimeters of the photo electrode and between the photo electrode cells and a collector bottom portion integrally interconnecting the collector cells. The collector cells have a same length or the collector cells arranged along the perimeters have a different length from the collector cells arranged between the photo electrode cells to increase an active area of the photo electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell which enhances an area of a photo electrode by arranging metal wires on a surface of a transparent substrate or a transparent conductive layer without degrading a transparency of the solar cell, allowing the metal wires to act as a collector electrode exclusively or together with a metal electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contacted solar cell which has contact places on the front- and rear-side for electrical contacting of the solar cell. The current produced by the solar cells is tapped across the solar cells by means of a conductor fitted on the front- or rear-side, the contact places of the solar cell being arranged, according to the invention, on the front- or rear-side such that, in projection on the front-face of the solar cell, they do not come to coincide.

Abstract: Described are new ohmic contact materials and diffusion barriers for Group IBIIIAVIA based solar cell structures, which eliminate two way diffusion while preserving the efficient ohmic contacts between the substrate and the absorber layers.

Abstract: A process for the production of a LFC-PERC silicon solar cell having an aluminum back electrode wherein an aluminum paste having no or only poor fire-through capability and including particulate aluminum, glass frit, an organic vehicle and 0.01 to <0.05 wt. % of at least one antimony oxide, based on total aluminum paste composition, is used, and wherein the at least one antimony oxide is present in the aluminum paste as separate particulate constituent(s) and/or as glass frit constituent(s).

Abstract: A simplified manufacturing process and the resultant bifacial solar cell (BSC) are provided, the simplified manufacturing process reducing manufacturing costs. The BSC includes an active region located on the front surface of the substrate, formed for example by a phosphorous diffusion step. After removing the PSG, assuming phosphorous diffusion, and isolating the front junction, dielectric layers are deposited on the front and back surfaces. Contact grids are formed, for example by screen printing. Prior to depositing the back surface dielectric, a metal grid may be applied to the back surface, the back surface contact grid registered to, and alloyed to, the metal grid during contact firing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a polymer thick film silver composition comprising: (a) conductive silver flake (b) organic medium comprising (1) phenoxy organic polymeric binder and (2) organic solvent. The composition may be processed at a time and energy sufficient to remove all solvent. The invention is further directed to method(s) of grid formation on top of Thin-Film photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an oxide electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell including metal oxide nanoparticles by using a miller, and a dye-sensitized solar cell manufactured by using the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an oxide electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell. The method includes (a) mixing metal oxide nanoparticles, a binder resin, and a solvent to prepare a metal oxide paste, (b) coating the metal oxide paste to a miller and pulverizing the metal oxide nanoparticles to prepare a paste including the metal oxide nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein, and (c) coating the paste including the metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed therein on a conductive transparent substrate, performing a heat treatment of the resulting substrate, and adsorbing a dye thereon to manufacture the conductive electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backside protective film (1) for a solar cell, which sequentially has a first resin layer (11), a second resin layer (12) and a third resin layer (13). Both the first resin layer and second resin layer include a rubber containing reinforced aromatic vinyl-based resin having a maximum glass transition temperature of 90-120° C. and have a thickness of 10-300 ?m. The first resin layer includes an infrared transmissible coloring agent, while the second resin layer includes a white-based coloring agent. The third resin layer includes a saturated polyester resin and has a thickness of 10-300 ?m. The third resin layer has a dimension change ratio between before and after the film is left to stand still at a temperature of 135° C. for 30 minutes of ±0.5% or less.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a transparent film includes a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer layer having an organosilane coupling agent treated surface such that the treated surface of the transparent film, when directly laminated to an encapsulant layer including ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, forms a multilayer film with an average peel strength between the transparent film and the encapsulant layer of greater than 2 lbf/in after curing to crosslink the ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and then 1000 hrs of damp heat exposure. In a second aspect, a weatherable multilayer film includes a transparent film and an encapsulant layer. The transparent film includes a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer layer having an organosilane coupling agent treated surface. The encapsulant layer is directly laminated to the treated surface of the transparent film.

Abstract: Provided are a back side protective sheet for a solar cell capable of enhancing adherence to an EVA resin as a filler used to seal solar cell elements and of maintaining a weather resistance over a long period of time; and a solar cell module including the back side protective sheet for a solar cell. The back side protective sheet (10) for a solar cell, which is disposed on a back side of a solar cell module, includes: a first film (11) constituted of a laminated body formed by causing a linear low-density polyethylene layer (111), an interposing resin layer (113), and a linear low-density polyethylene layer (112) to directly contact each other in order; and a second film (12) laminated on the first film (11), with an adhesive layer (13) interposed between the first film (11) and the second film (12). The interposing resin layer (113) is formed of one kind of a resin selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, a cycloolefin polymer, and a methacrylate resin.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module includes at least one photovoltaic cell, a back plate, at least two ribbons, an encapsulant layer, and a filler. The back plate is disposed over the photovoltaic cell, in which the back plate has a ribbon hole therein. The ribbons are electrically connected to the photovoltaic cell and pass through the ribbon hole. The encapsulant layer is disposed between the back plate and the photovoltaic cell, in which the encapsulant layer has at least one through hole therein, and both of the ribbons pass through the through hole. The filler fills the through hole of the encapsulant layer, in which a flowability of a material of the filler is greater than a flowability of a material of the encapsulant layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a flexible photoelectrode and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the same. More specifically, the method for manufacturingg a photoelectrode comprises forming a nanoparticle metal oxide layer on a flexible substrate, adsorbing dyes, and then, coating polymer, thereby forming a nanoparticle metal oxide layer consisting of nanoparticle metal oxide-dye-polymer. According to the present invention, the polymer penetrated between the nanoparticle metal oxide after dye adsorption may increase adhesion to the substrate and improve mechanical properties. Particularly, when applied for a flexible substrate such as a plastic substrate, bending property is excellent, and it may be useful for a flexible dye-sensitized solar cell having durability.

Abstract: Photovoltaic modules comprise solar cells having doped domains of opposite polarities along the rear side of the cells. The doped domains can be located within openings through a dielectric passivation layer. In some embodiments, the solar cells are formed from thin silicon foils. Doped domains can be formed by printing inks along the rear surface of the semiconducting sheets. The dopant inks can comprise nanoparticles having the desired dopant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for generating inverted organic solar cells and which required no electron selective layer, were fabricated and their power conversion efficiency was found to improve irreversibly with post-processing light soaking for a period. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization further revealed segregation in surface composition at the interface and was found to explain the current density-voltage measurements. In addition, the light soaked devices were found to exhibit an extended lifetime as compared to conventional devices. Since no electron selective layer was required, light soaking may be considered as a cost-effective method to achieve efficient inverted organic solar cells.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices relate to photovoltaic cells having a photoactive layer and constituents synthesized and utilized for the photoactive layer. The photovoltaic cells incorporate photoactive materials produced from dyads formed into an initial layer and then thermally cleaved to provide the photoactive layer. Cleavage of the dyads, such as synthesized fullerene anthracen-2-ylmethyl 3-(thiophen-3-yl) acetate dyads, or polymers of the dyads into separate molecules providing donors and acceptors facilitates in obtaining the photovoltaic cells with desired arrangement and interspacing of the donors and the acceptors relative to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a 3,6-carbazole-containing copolymer, an organic solar cell comprising the copolymer in an organic material layer including a photoactive layer, and a method for fabricating the organic solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a 3,6-carbazole-containing copolymer, an organic solar cell comprising the copolymer in an organic material layer including a photoactive layer, and a method for fabricating the organic solar cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized solar cell having at least a substrate, a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer containing a semiconductor and a sensitizing dye, a positive hole transporting layer containing a solid positive hole transporting material, and a second electrode, in which the positive hole transporting material contains a polythiophene-based polymer which is a conductive polymer formed via copolymerization of at least 2 compounds having a structure represented by Formula (1), (2), or (3) described in the specification.

Abstract: Provided is a compound of formula (I): wherein A is C2-3 alkylene; m is an integer ranging from 2 to 25; and n is an integer ranging from 3 to 10. An electrolyte for a dye-sensitized solar cell having the compound of formula (I) and/or a compound of formula (II) is further provided for increasing photoelectric conversion efficiency.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1) for generating fine bubbles, comprising a substrate (3) having holes (5) therethrough, each hole comprising a gas inlet (7) and a gas outlet (9), wherein the width of the gas outlet is greater than the width of the gas inlet. A method of manufacturing said device and a method of generating fine bubbles.

Abstract: A flow controller for an engine cooling system is disclosed and claimed. The flow controller includes a housing and a valve. The housing defines a first entrance, a second entrance, and an exit. A main coolant flow path is defined by the first entrance with the exit, and a bypass coolant flow path is defined by the second entrance with the exit. The first entrance is adapted to be connected to the cooler, the second entrance is adapted to be connected to the engine bypass port, and the exit is adapted to be connected to the pump. With the valve closed, the main flow path is blocked; that is, coolant from the cooler and/or reservoir is prevented from entering the pump.

Abstract: An apparatus to supply a plurality of process fluids for processing a substrate in a semiconductor processing chamber. The apparatus includes a plurality of process fluid supply valves and a fluid supply network that is defined between a crossover valve and a tuning supply valve. The apparatus further includes a tuning fluid supply being connected to the fluid supply network through the tuning supply valve. Further included with the apparatus is a plurality of process fluids that are connected to the fluid supply network through the plurality of process fluid supply valves. A process chamber that has a substrate support is also included in the apparatus. The process chamber further including an edge fluid supply and a center fluid supply, the edge fluid supply connected to the fluid supply network through an edge enable valve and the center supply connected to the fluid supply network through a center enable valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting arrangement comprising at least two sets of pipettes (9a; 9b; 9c; 9d). Each set of pipettes (9a; 9b; 9c; 9d) is operationally connected, via a controllable ON/OFF valve (11a; 11b; 11e; 11d) to a common aspiration port (7). Latter is connectable to a pumping arrangement (3). The valves (11a; 11b; 11e; 11d) are controlled by a timing-control unit (15) conceived to establish, by control of the valves (11a; 11b; 11e; 11d), the operational connections of the at least two sets of pipettes (9a; 9b; 9c; 9d) to the aspiration port (7) in a time-multiplexed manner.

Abstract: A bypass unit for a water vapor transfer assembly includes a main body, a check valve, and an adjustable flow regulator. The main body has a conduit formed therethrough. The check valve is in communication with the conduit. The check valve normally militates against a flow of a bypass stream through the conduit and permits the flow of the bypass stream through the conduit above a threshold flow rate. The flow regulator is in communication with the conduit. The flow regulator permits an adjustment of the flow of the bypass stream to modify the water transfer rate of the water transfer assembly.