Abstract: A solid state photovoltaic device is formed on a substrate and includes a photoactive channel layer interposed between a pair of electrodes. The photoactive channel layer includes a first material which absorbs light and operates as a hole carrier. Within the first material are nanoparticles of a second material which operate as electron carriers. The nanoparticles are distributed within the photoactive channel layer such that, predominantly, the charge path between the two electrodes at any given location includes only a single nanocrystal. Because a majority of electrons are channeled to the electrodes via single nanocrystal conductive paths, the resulting architecture is referred to as a channel architecture.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiconductor device which has one or a plurality of spherical semiconductor elements as its main component. The spherical semiconductor element is a spherical semiconductor crystal with a photovoltaic part and a pair of electrodes. The present invention is also a semiconductor device of a semiconductor photocatalyst, photodiode or solar battery. The present invention is also a semiconductor device which has one or a plurality of spherical semiconductor elements as its main component. This spherical semiconductor element is a spherical semiconductor crystal with a pn junction and a pair of electrodes. Semiconductor devices of light-emitting diodes, various diodes, or display panels are disclosed. Referring to semiconductor photocatalyst 1 of the figure, a p-type diffusion layer 6 and a pn junction 7 is formed on an n-type silicon semiconductor spherical crystal.

Abstract: Partition member 34 is provided, which partitions the interior of glass container 31 into reduction reaction chamber 32 and oxidation reaction chamber 33 and which is made of a polymer electrolyte that conducts hydrogen ions; solar battery modules 35 are mounted on this partition member 34, for example in a matrix arrangement of five rows and three columns; a solar battery module 35 has a photocell array (photoelectromotive force: 2.0-2.4 V) consisting of four spherical solar battery elements (photoelectromotive force: 0.5-0.6 V) connected in series, anode 46, and cathode 48; solar battery modules 35 are mounted on partition member 34 so that anode 46 is in contact with the electrolyte of oxidation reaction chamber 33 and cathode 48 is in contact with the electrolyte of reduction reaction chamber 32; sunlight is shined on solar battery modules 35, and the photoelectromotive force electrolyzes the water and produces hydrogen gas from cathode 48 and oxygen gas from anode 46.

Abstract: A spherical article conveying atmosphere replacing device includes a recovering chamber which a recovering pipe penetrates; a pressure reducing device (or recovering pump) for making the inside of the recovering chamber negative in pressure; a sending chamber which a sending pipe penetrates which is coupled to the recovering pipe; and a pressurizing device (or sending pump) for making the inside of the sending chamber positive in pressure, so that the atmosphere for the spherical single crystal silicon conveyed in the recovering pipe is recovered in the recovering chamber with high efficiency which is negative in pressure, and in the sending chamber the spherical single crystal silicon in the sending pipe are accelerated.

Abstract: Polymer based solar cells incorporate nanoscale carbon particles as electron acceptors. The nanoscale carbon particles can be appropriate carbon blacks, especially modified laser black. Conducting polymers are used in the solar cells as electron donors upon absorption of light. Preferred solar cell structures involve corrugation of the donor/acceptor composite material such that increased amounts of electricity can be produced for a given overall area of the solar cell.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for utilizing solar energy includes an outer shell body (11), an inner body (40) inside it, and a hollow body (30) provided in between which are formed in a shape of a uniform polyhedron, in particular a dodecahedron. The shell body (11) and the hollow body (30) are provided with at least one opening (12, 13, 15) for the entrance of solar rays. The shell body (11) is therein disposed above a reflector pan (20) and has a partial polyhedron form, in particular in dodecahedral form. The solar energy concentrated in the shell body (11) is converted and conducted further to a consumer. With this cost-effectively produced apparatus (10) an improved efficiency relative to know apparatus is attained.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film photovoltaic device and a method of manufacturing the device. The thin film photovoltaic device comprises a film layer having particles which are smaller than about 30 microns in size held in an electrically insulating matrix material to reduce the potential for electrical shorting through the film layer. The film layer may be provided by depositing preformed particles onto a surrogate substrate and binding the particles in a film-forming matrix material to form a flexible sheet with the film layer. The flexible sheet may be separated from the surrogate substrate and cut into flexible strips. A plurality of the flexible strips may be located adjacent to and supported by a common supporting substrate to form a photovoltaic module having a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: A photo cell and a photo cell array which have high photoelectric conversion efficiency, little leakage current, long life, and high reliability, as well as a electrolytic device that employs the cell and array. The photo cell (1) comprises: a base material (2) consisting of p-type semiconductor; a light receiving section (3) being an integral spherical part of the base material (2) which protrudes outward from the surface of the base (2), and has an n-type semiconductor layer formed on the surface of said spherical part, so that a pn junction interface is formed between the base material (2) and the semiconductor layer; a front surface electrode (4) formed from conductive material in ohmic contact with a portion of the surface of the aforementioned sphere; and a lower or back electrode (5) formed from conductive material on the bottom of the aforementioned base material (2), to provide ohmic contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a photo-active region for generation of free carriers when a first surface is exposed to optical radiation. The photo-active region includes a conducting transparent matrix and clusters of semiconductor materials embedded within the conducting transparent matrix. The clusters are arranged in the matrix material so as to define at least a first distribution of cluster sizes ranging from those with the highest bandgap energy near a light incident surface of the photo-active region to those with the smallest bandgap energy near an opposite second surface of the photo-active region. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for a solar cell. The solar cell includes a photo-active region containing a plurality of semiconductor clusters of varying sizes as described.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film photovoltaic device and a method of manufacturing the device. The thin film photovoltaic device comprises a film layer having particles which are smaller than about 30 microns in size held in an electrically insulating matrix material to reduce the potential for electrical shorting through the film layer. The film layer may be provided by depositing preformed particles onto a surrogate substrate and binding the particles in a film-forming matrix material to form a flexible sheet with the film layer. The flexible sheet may be separated from the surrogate substrate and cut into flexible strips. A plurality of the flexible strips may be located adjacent to and supported by a common supporting substrate to form a photovoltaic module having a plurality of electrically interconnected photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: An inexpensive, robust concrete solar cell (10) comprises a photovoltaic material embedded in and extending beyond front and rear major surfaces (18 and 16) of a matrix layer (14). The matrix layer typically comprises a high-strength, cementitious material, such as a macrodefect-free cement, reinforced with electrically nonconductive fibers (54) distributed throughout the matrix layer. The photovoltaic material comprises particles (12) of high-resistivity single crystal silicon, typically ball milled from ingot sections unsuitable for slicing into silicon wafers. An aluminum sheet (28) attached to the rear major surface provides electrical contact to one of two electrical region (22 and 24) of the semiconductor particle, and a translucent conductive layer (30) on the front major surface provides electrical contacts to the second electrical region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming semiconductor particles (42) for solar cells using an optical furnace (30). Uniform mass piles (26) of powered semiconductor feedstock are almost instantaneously optically fused to define high purity semiconductor particles without oxidation. The high intensity optical energy is directed and focused to the semiconductor feedstock piles (26) advanced by a conveyer medium (16) thereunder. The semiconductor feedstock piles (26) are at least partially melted and fused to form a single semiconductor particle (42) which can be later separated from a refractory layer (18) by a separator (50), preferably comprised of silica. The apparatus (10) and process is automated, providing a high throughput to produce uniform mass, high quality spheres for realizing high efficiency solar cells. The apparatus is energy efficient, whereby process parameters can be easily and quickly established.

Abstract: A polysilane composition containing conductor or semiconductor particles useful as a portion of a non-linear optical device.

Abstract: A flexible cover (14) for a flexible solar cell (12) protects the cell from the ambient and increases the cell's efficiency. The cell(12)includes silicon spheres (16) held in a flexible aluminum sheet matrix (20,22). The cover (14) is a flexible, protective layer (60) of light-transparent material having a relatively flat upper, free surface (64) and an irregular opposed surface (66). The irregular surface (66) includes first portions (68) which conform to the polar regions (31R) of the spheres (16) and second convex (72) or concave (90) portions (72 or 90) which define spaces (78) in conjunction with the reflective surface (20T) of one aluminum sheet (20). Without the cover (14) light (50) falling on the surface (20T) between the spheres (16) is wasted, that is, it does not fall on a sphere (16).

Abstract: A flexible cover (14) for a flexible solar cell (12) protects the cell from the ambient and increases the cell's efficiency. The cell (12)includes silicon particles (16) held in a flexible aluminum sheet matrix (20,22). The cover (14) is a flexible, protective layer (60) of a light-transparent material such as a fluoropolymer, preferably TEFZEL.RTM. film having a relatively flat upper, free surface (64) and an opposed surface (66) coated with an adhesive, preferably EVA. The surface (66) is applied to the particles (16) so as to include first portions (68) which conform to the poles (31 P) and the polar regions (31R) of the particles (16) and second, projecting convex (72) or concave (90) prism-like portions which define spaces (78) in conjunction with the reflective surface (20T) of one aluminum sheet (20). Without the cover (14), light (50) falling on the surface (20T) between the particles (16) is wasted, that is, it does not fall on a particle (16).

Abstract: A cover (14) for an array (12) of foil matrix-mounted (18), spaced photovoltaic members (16) protects the array (12) from the environment and increases its efficiency. Upper portions (31) of the members (16) extend above the free reflective surface (20T) of the foil matrix (18). The cover (14)includes an environment-excluding coating (60) which is emplaced on the array (12) to conform to the upper portions (31). The coating is configured as cusps (68) which overlie the free surface (20T) of the matrix (18) centrally between adjacent members (16). The nadirs (72) of the cusps (68) are closely spaced from the free surface (20T). Accordingly, each member (16) effectively supports a conformal lens (70) which directs thereat much of the otherwise "wasted" light that would fall on the free foil surface (20T) between adjacent members (16) and would not fall on the members (16).

Abstract: An inexpensive, robust concrete solar cell (10) comprises a photovoltaic material embedded in and extending beyond the major surfaces (16 and 18) of a matrix layer (14). The matrix layer typically comprises a high strength, cementitious material, such as a macrodefect free cement. The photovoltaic material comprises particles (12) of high-resistivity single crystal silicon, typically ball milled from ingot sections unsuitable for slicing into silicon wafers. The ingot sections include unprecipitated dissolved oxygen that is electrically activated by a low temperature annealing process to produce n-type silicon, even in silicon crystals that include a p-type dopant. An aluminum sheet (28), positioned on the backside of the matrix layer, is briefly melted together with the silicon particles to produce a p-type aluminum-doped silicon region (22) that forms a pn junction with the n-type region (24) of the particle. The aluminum sheet also provides the electrical contact to the p-type regions.

Abstract: Solar cells are formed of semi-conductor spheres of P-type interior having an N-type skin are pressed between a pair of aluminum foil members forming the electrical contacts to the P-type and N-type regions. The aluminum foils, which comprise 1.0% silicon by weight, are flexible and electrically insulated from one another. The spheres are patterned in a foil matrix forming a cell. Multiple cells can be interconnected to form a module of solar cell elements for converting sun light into electricity.

Abstract: Solar cells are formed of semi-conductor spheres of P-type interior having an N-type skin are pressed between a pair of aluminum foil members forming the electrical contacts to the P-type and N-type regions. The aluminum foils, which comprise 1.0% silicon by weight, are flexible and electrically insulated from one another. The spheres are patterned in a foil matrix forming a cell. Multiple cells can be interconnected to form a module of solar cell elements for converting sun light into electricity.

Abstract: A method for applying a dielectric material to a solar array having an edge, a light gathering side and a backside, which includes the steps of sealing the array along the array edge, providing a gas pressure differential between the light gathering side and the backside which pressure is greater on the light gathering side than on the backside and applying the dielectric material to the backside of the array wherein the gas pressure differential is sufficient to substantially prevent the dielectric material from leaking from the backside to the light gathering side.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for depositing a uniform layer of material, such as titanium dioxide, on the surface of an object, such as a silicon sphere of a solar array (7). Component gases are injected at predetermined rates into a heated reaction chamber (5) where they react. Because of the reaction rate and injection velocities of the gases, the reaction is substantially completed at a calculated location inside the reaction chamber (5). The object which is to receive the layer, such as the solar array (7), is placed at the calculated location in the reaction chamber (5). The platform (68) to which the solar array (7) is attached is simultaneously tilted and rotated such that all areas of the surface of the array (7) are uniformly exposed to the titanium dioxide reactant.

Abstract: Solar cells formed of semiconductor discrete spheres of P-type interior having an N-type skin are disclosed. The semiconductor spheres are pressed between a pair of aluminum foil members. A plurality of metal pads are formed to the P-type material of the discrete spheres to provide electrical contacts. The aluminum foils are flexible and electrically insulated from one another. One of the foils is electrically connected to the N-type skin of the discrete semiconductor sphere, and the other is electrically connected to the P-type interior of the sphere by means of the metal pads. The cells are patterned in a foil matrix forming an array. Multiple arrays can be interconnected to form a module of solar cell elements for converting sun light into electricity.

Abstract: Particulate semiconductor devices and method of preparation by a low temperature process. A particulate layer is screen printed on a metallized substrate and a rear contact is formed by alloying the semiconductor particules to the substrate. The layer is fired and a front Schottky contact applied. The resulting device has sharp diode IV-characteristics, low leakage current, and significant reverse break-down voltages. In the manufacture of efficient and red-enhanced particulate silicon pn-junction solar cells, prediffused particles are used, offering major advantages compared to other techniques, such as where the junction is formed after completion of a particulate layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic laminate of different semiconductor layers for providing a wide range of photovoltaic characteristics. One of the layers is an amorphous semiconductor and at least one other of the layers is of crystalline particles. Additional semiconductor layers, both amorphous and non-amorphous, may be included. The amorphous layers have a thickness of about a few microns and the crystalline layers have a thickness above about 60 microns. The various semiconductor layers can include P, N and intrinsic regions. In accordance with a method aspect of the invention, the particulate layers are produced by blowing a molten semiconductor through a nozzle or by the spin coating of emulsions. The particles are desirably accompanied by a binder in the form of a silicate, an acrylic or a cycloaliphatic epoxy.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of forming adherent contacts to oxide coated semiconductor material wherein the oxide coating and a portion of the semiconductor material are mechanically removed, such as by abrading, to provide a roughened surface on the semiconductor material. The contact material is then applied over the mechanically roughened surface and bonded at elevated temperatures to provide the adherent contact.

Abstract: A solar concentrator photovolataic power module of small scale wherein a plurality of pre-fabricated photovoltaic solar cells reside in a matrix array in a substrate comprised of a pair of thin sheet conductors separated by an insulator sheet. A lens sheet on which a multiplicity of lenses have been formed is disposed in a fixed spaced relation to the substrate and operates to focus radiation (sunlight) onto the photo active surfaces of the cells in order to generate electricity. The overall thickness of the module including the substrate, lens sheet and space between the two is less than two inches. The laminated substrate is formed by disposing a plurality of pre-fabricated solar cells in a matrix array onto a back conductor, overlaying onto the back conductor an insulator which surrounds each of the cells and overlaying onto the insulator a top conductor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of making solar cell arrays and modules and the arrays and modules wherein the arrays are formed of semiconductor spheres of P-type interior having an N-type skin housed in a pair of aluminum foil members which form the contacts to the P-type and N-type regions. The foils are electrically insulated from each other and are flexible. Multiple arrays can be interconnected to form a module of solar cell elements for converting light energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: Solar energy conversion apparatus including a rotatable converter with a core that is triangular in cross-section and tapers towards its ends. A multiplicity of hemispherical photovoltaic cells are supported on the sides of the core. Two metal foil layers insulated from each other are connected to different conductivity type portions of the cells, the outer foil layer being reflective. A glass shell covers the core and tapers toward each end. The shell has a dodecagonal cross-section with four facets overlying each side of the core, alternate facets being left uncovered and transparent and the other facets being silvered, thus forming reflective interior surfaces for reflection of sunlight entering the shell. A parabolic reflector directs sunlight on an end of the converter. A stationary housing concentric about the converter has a reflective inner surface in first and second end sections parallel to the taperings of the shell. The housing is divided into three sections each containing a field winding.

Abstract: A semiconductor device in which particles of semiconductive material extend as separate chains from respective first and second contacts. When one of the contacts is of p-type material, the conductive materials that extend from it are of likewise p-material. Similarly, when the contact is of n-type material, the chain that extends from it is also of n-material. In any case the particles can include both p-type and n-type. One of the contacts can have a prescribed work function and the other contact have a lower work function in order to produce a prescribed junction between the two contacts. In addition the contacts may be polymeric. The particulate bodies may range in size from 10 to about 3000 angstroms in diameter. The n-type particles provide a continuous path for electrons and the p-type particles provide a continuous path for holes. The particles are adhered to one another by an inorganic or organic binder, pressure, heat treatment or thermal fusion.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a photovoltaic solar array which is provided with a matrix having spherical photovoltaic diode particles embedded therein in an ordered array, the P-type region of each particle extending to one matrix surface and the N-type region of each particle extending to an opposed matrix surface. Backside metallization is disposed on the matrix backside surface to interconnect the particles extending thereto and frontside conductors are provided on the opposing matrix surface to interconnect the particles extending thereto. The matrix includes two portions, the first portion being a layer extending to the frontside formed of a clear glass. The second portion of the matrix is, in effect, two layers, one disposed at the P-N junctions of the particles being a lead base glass for junction passivation, this layer being overcoated with a reflective layer to provide additional reflectivity of light entering the matrix onto the particles. This increases the amount of light impinging on the particles.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of sealing the surface of an aluminum member, such as an aluminum foil, from the environment by first placing the foil in an H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 bath to form an oxide which normally will not provide a total seal of the aluminum from the environment and then placing the aluminum member with oxide thereon in an H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 bath to close the pores in the oxide layer and provide sealing of the aluminum from the environment. This process also passivates the silicon.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of etching semiconductor material wherein the material is secured in an oxide coated aluminum foil which acts as an etchant mask. The portion of the material extending from one side of the foil can then be etched with a semiconductor material etchant with the remainder of the material being masked from the etchant by the foil.

Abstract: Semiconductor spheres are arranged within a plastic sheet and laminated between two metal foil layers to make electrical contacts. A portion of each sphere is exposed on one side to allow light entry. The back ohmic contact has a spreading resistance which protects large array configurations from short circuits. Series interconnections of cells, for higher voltage, can be made in the same processing sequence, and are coplanar with the array. All manufacturing steps are completed at temperatures less than 400.degree. C.

Abstract: An inexpensive photovoltaic device made using particulate silicon is described. Silicon particles of a particular type having a size range of from 300 to 1000 micrometers are sintered to a metallic substrate to form an ohmic contact therebetween. The particles and the substrate are provided with an insulating layer except for the top surfaces of the silicon particles, to which a layer of the opposite type is applied to form p-n junctions in the particles. A second electrode is then applied either directly or, preferably, via a first application of a transparent conductive coating. The device is then, preferably, covered with a light transparent member to provide a hermetic seal.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell in which a plurality of semiconductor bodies are provided on a conductive layer on a major surface of a substrate. Each body includes a core and an outer layer of different conductivity types. A transparent conductive layer interconnects the semiconductor bodies. In one embodiment a single conductive layer is formed on the substrate, and a voltage differential is generated between the signal conductive layer and the transparent conductive layer. Alternatively, two conductive layers can be provided on the substrate and the voltage differential is generated between the two conductive layers.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed which allows an ohmic electrical contact with P-type semiconductor material using metallic foil at low temperature without significant diffusion of the metal into the semiconductor. The contact exhibits opposition to physical separation and has a predetermined electrical resistance.

Abstract: Semiconductor spheres are arranged within a plastic sheet, and laminated between two metal foil layers to make electrical contacts. A portion of each sphere is exposed on one side to allow light entry. The back ohmic contact has a spreading resistance which protects large array configurations from short circuits. Series interconnections of cells, for higher voltage, can be made in the same processing sequence, and are coplanar with the array. All manufacturing steps are completed at temperatures less than 400.degree. C.

Abstract: There is presented a photoelectrolyzer comprising a number of minute solar cell elements suspended in an electrolyte. Each element is made of, for example, a first thin film of intrinsic amorphous silicon having specific properties and/or N-type amorphous silicon and a second thin film of a P-type amorphous silicon.This apparatus is high in the sunlight collection efficiency and also is capable of electrolyzing an electrolyte with high electrolysis voltage such as water.

Abstract: Selectively shaped silicon crystal bodies, such as plate- or tape-shaped bodies, having crystalline pillar-like structures therein are produced by forming a slurry from an admixture of relatively fine sized silicon particles and a liquid binder, extruding such slurry as a relatively thin layer onto a first support member, drying such extruded layer until it becomes self-supporting and removing such support member, and then sintering such dried layer in a protective gas atmosphere at temperatures below about 1430.degree. C. until a layer of crystalline silicon particles are generated or grown having an average diameter substantially corresponding to the thickness of the dried slurry layer.