Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type; an emitter layer of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type; at least one first electrode on the emitter layer and electrically connected to the emitter layer; a passivation layer on the substrate, the passivation layer including a plurality of exposing portions to expose respective portions of the substrate; and an electrode conductive layer on the passivation layer, the electrode conductive layer including a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to the respective plurality of exposing portions, wherein in each of the plurality of exposing portions, an area of an exposed surface of the substrate is greater than an area of a virtual interface that is coplanar with an interface between the substrate and the passivation layer and which is located over the exposed surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including at least one active layer and a transparent cover plate which contains on at least one side an array of geometrical optical relief structures and which is in optical contact with a surface receiving side of the at least one active layer of a photovoltaic device, characterized in that the optical relief structures include a base and a single apex which are connected by at least three n-polygonal surfaces where n is equal to 4 or higher.

Abstract: An asymmetric waveguide layer which includes a metal film having an array of apertures defined in the metal film. The apertures extend from a first surface of the metal film to a second surface of the metal film. A plurality of photons have a wavelength of about X propagate through the asymmetric waveguide layer in one direction, and are substantially prevented from propagating in the other direction. An integrated solar cell is also described. First and second PV layers are disposed adjacent to and optically coupled to the asymmetric waveguide layer. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to and optically coupled to the second PV layer second surface. Light passing through the asymmetric waveguide is substantially trapped within the second PV layer by a combination of reflection from the reflective layer and reflection by the asymmetric waveguide layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) direct energy conversion. In particular, TPV systems use filters to minimize parasitic absorption of below bandgap energy. This invention constitutes a novel combination of front surface filters to increase TPV conversion efficiency by reflecting useless below bandgap energy while transmitting a very high percentage of the useful above bandgap energy. In particular, a frequency selective surface is used in combination with an interference filter. The frequency selective surface provides high transmission of above bandgap energy and high reflection of long wavelength below bandgap energy. The interference filter maintains high transmission of above bandgap energy and provides high reflection of short wavelength below bandgap energy and a sharp transition from high transmission to high reflection.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion assembly for efficiently capturing solar energy by providing additional chances to absorb reflected sunlight and providing longer path lengths in the photovoltaic (PV) material. The assembly includes a PV device including a layer of PV material and a protective top covering the PV material (e.g., a planar glass cover applied with adhesive to the PV material). The assembly further includes a PV enhancement film formed of a substantially transparent material, and film is applied to at least a portion of the protective top such as with a substantially transparent adhesive. The PV enhancement film includes a plurality of absorption enhancement structures on the substrate opposite the PV device. Each absorption enhancement structure includes a light receiving surface that refracts incident light striking the PV enhancement film to provide an average path length ratio of greater than about 1.20 in the layer of PV material.

Abstract: A solar concentrator for concentrating and communicating lower energy light than sunlight to a solar cell, having multiple chromophores physically separated by a sufficient distance for luminescence, and an optical waveguide for directing light to an optical communication region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating which has been applied to a substrate, comprising at least a first film and a second film which have been applied on top of each other and each comprise a transparent conducting oxide and an electron donor, wherein the second film comprises relatively at least 10 percent less electron donor than the first film. The invention also relates to a solar cell comprising a coating according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for applying the coating according to the invention to a substrate, wherein at least a first and a second mixture which each comprise one or more precursors for a transparent conducting oxide and an electron donor are applied to the substrate, wherein the second mixture is composed such that relatively at least 10 percent less electron donor is incorporated in the film compared with the film deposited by the first mixture.

Abstract: Devices incorporating an interferometric stack configured to reflect a certain color and transmit longer wavelengths through the interferometric stack. In one example, a color filtering includes two partial reflectors comprising an extinction coefficient that is less than about one at wavelengths greater than about 800 nm. The two partial reflectors define an optical resonant cavity forming an interferometric stack configured to reflect color and transmit some electromagnetic waves. In another example, a photovoltaic device includes two photovoltaic active layers that act as partial reflectors to form an interferometric stack. The photovoltaic device is configured to reflect color and produce power.

Abstract: A coaxial solar cell forces an exposed annular light receiving layers of a constant thickness to directly receive projection of light excitedly to generate pairs of electrons and holes that are driven by radial built-in electronic field formed on a PN junction to travel by the same distance paths to coaxial inner and outer electrodes. The photons directly enter an exposed drift region. The excited pairs of electrons and holes are separated by the even built-in electronic field to output current. Loss caused by crowding and recombination of diffusion current can be prevented. Photoelectric conversion efficiency improves without losing photon energy of short wavelengths projecting to the surface. The linear coaxial solar cell is fabricated by forming coaxial and annular semiconductor layers or compound films through deposition. Thus, it can be continuously fabricated by extending its length and mass production to reduce costs.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent dye compounds of Formula (I) or (II): where R, R?, m and k are as described herein. The dye compounds are suitable for use in luminescent solar collectors. Methods of making the dye compounds and luminescent solar collectors comprising them are also described.

Abstract: A luminescent solar collector contains a first fluorescent dye and a dye compound of Formula (I) or (II): where R, R?, m, and k are as described herein. The luminescent solar collector has improved output.

Abstract: Disclosed are fluorescent dye compounds of Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, and G are as described herein. The fluorescent dyes are suitable for use in luminescent solar collectors or as a colorant. Methods of making the fluorescent dyes and luminescent solar collectors comprising them are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds for electronic material, and organic electroluminescent devices or organic solar cells comprising the same. Specifically, the compounds for electronic material according to the invention are characterized in that they are represented by Chemical Formula (1): Since the compounds for electronic material, when being applied to an organic electroluminescent device, show good luminous efficiency and excellent life property of material, OLED's having very good operation life can be manufactured therefrom.

Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.

Abstract: Light collectors for use in building-integrated solar concentrators comprise waveguiding components incorporating spaced-apart light collecting elements arranged to collect light from a plurality of lenses in a lens array and deliver light to solar cells for photovoltaic conversion, where several lenses are coupled to each individual solar cell. The light collecting elements may comprise shaped ends of bulk waveguides to deliver incident solar radiation directly to the solar cells, or luminescent or amplifying material that converts the incident radiation to a secondary light signal that is delivered to the cells. The lenses may be pivotally mounted in a variety of ways to improve solar tracking by avoiding mechanical clashes between lenses and optimising the amount of incident light that is harvested. Filters containing heavy water may be positioned in front of the solar cells to absorb long wavelength light unconvertible by the cells, heat energy being then extractable from the heavy water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel organic electroluminescent compounds, and organic electroluminescent devices employing the same as electroluminescent material. Specifically, the organic electroluminescent compounds according to the invention are characterized in that they are represented by Chemical Formula (1): wherein, A and B independently represent CR7 or N, provided that both A and B cannot be CR7 or N at the same time; and X is O or S. Since the organic electroluminescent compounds according to the invention have good luminous efficiency and excellent color purity and life property of material, OLED's having very good operation life can be manufactured therefrom.

Abstract: In devices of the invention, forward scattering nanoparticles are sized and arranged with respect to a photo conversion material to forward scatter radiation that would otherwise be reflected away from the photo conversion material. In preferred embodiment devices, a highest percentage of the nanoparticles are sized such that their predominant characteristic is scattering as opposed to absorption. The nanoparticles forward scatter radiation into the photo conversion material that would otherwise be reflected. In preferred embodiments, the nanoparticles are metal nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum nanoparticles, and in other embodiments the nanoparticles are dielectric nanoparticles, e.g., silica, sized to predominately forward scatter radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell characterized by using in combination at least two or more different photoelectric converters for specific wavelength ranges, each of which photoelectric converters is obtained by loading a thin film of oxide semiconductor particles formed on a substrate with a dye having a maximum absorption wavelength in a specific wavelength range or a salt of the dye.

Abstract: A solar cell is disclosed to include a single crystal silicon chip, an electrode system, a glass plate cover, a polymer film set between the single crystal silicon chip and the glass plate cover, and a spectrum converter containing an inorganic phosphor, which absorbs radiation in purple, blue and green light of the Sun's solar radiation and converts the absorption into a photoluminescent light in yellow, orange-yellow and infrared area in the electromagnetic spectrum. The architecture characteristic of the solar cell increases the efficiency by about 20%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell which can enhance the absorption of the short-wavelength range radiation ?<400 nm of the sun and re-radiate in the wavelength range ?=500˜780 nm to enhance the solar cell's capability in absorbing more long-wavelength radiation and form separate electron-hole pairs so as to increase the output power of the solar cell assembly. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a transparent light conversion film for solar cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a photovoltaic cell having improved conversion properties. The cell includes a cover for a photovoltaic device. In one embodiment, the cover includes a fluorescent material that shifts the wavelength of some of the incident light to be closer to the wavelength that produces the least amount of thermal loading on the photovoltaic device. In another embodiment, the cover includes a fluorescent material between two reflective filters. The cell and cover may either be placed together in a stack or separated from one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to different methods used in the formation of an ink, as well as being directed to the formation of layers used in the fabrication of a solar cell, particularly the absorber layer. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to formulating an ink comprising Cu-rich particles and solid Ga—In particles, wherein the step of formulating is carried out at a temperature such that no liquid phase is present within the solid Ga-In particles. In another embodiment, the specific steps taken during the formulation of the ink are described. In yet another embodiment, the process of using the formulated ink to obtain a precursor layer are described.

Abstract: A luminescent solar concentrator comprises a primary waveguide and at least one photovoltaic cell. The primary waveguide has a curved surface which concentrates light on a perimeter. The photovoltaic cell is oriented at the perimeter so that it can both receive the concentrated light and receive direct light as well. A back sheet may be provided that provides structural support and protection. The perimeter may have the shape of a polygon where a photovoltaic cell is oriented along each edge. Modules and arrays of such units are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photo-sensor having a structure which can suppress electrostatic discharge damage is provided. Conventionally, a transparent electrode has been formed over the entire surface of a light receiving region; however, in the present invention, the transparent electrode is not formed, and a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer of a photoelectric conversion layer are used as an electrode. Therefore, in the photo-sensor according to the present invention, resistance is increased an electrostatic discharge damage can be suppressed. In addition, positions of the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer, which serve as an electrode, are kept away; and thus, resistance is increased and withstand voltage can be improved.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a photovoltaic, or a light emitting polymer device, comprises providing a cathode of aluminum, placing the cathode in an inert atmosphere and removing aluminum oxide formed on the aluminum prior to placement thereof in the inert atmosphere. The aluminum is passivated while still in the inert atmosphere by coating the aluminum with a passivation agent to prevent oxidation of the aluminum upon exposure to oxygen. The passivated aluminum is removed from the inert atmosphere and an active layer of a photovoltaic or an electroluminescent material is provided on the passivated aluminum. A valence hole injection layer is then provided over the active layer to form an anode. In one embodiment, the cathode comprises a plurality of electrically isolated cathode cells which are cut from an aluminum sheet or foil and wherein the active layer and valence hole injection layer are printed over the cathode cells.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include interferometrically tuned photovoltaic cells wherein reflection from interfaces of layered photovoltaic devices coherently sum to produce an increased field in an active region of the photovoltaic cell where optical energy is converted into electrical energy. Such interferometrically tuned or interferometric photovoltaic devices (iPV) increase the absorption of optical energy in the active region of the interferometric photovoltaic cell and thereby increase the efficiency of the device. In various embodiments, one or more optical resonant cavities and/or optical resonant layers is included in the photovoltaic device to increase the electric field concentration and the absorption in the active region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electroluminescent compounds represented by Chemical Formula (1) L1L1M(Q)m and electroluminescent devices comprising the same as host material. The electroluminescent compound according to the invention, when used as host material of an OLED, noticeably lowers the operation voltage and enhance the power efficiency.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device having a relatively high photoelectric efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same. The photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent electrode, a metal electrode, and a plurality of photovoltaic layers between the transparent electrode and the metal electrode. The photovoltaic layers include light-absorbing compounds for absorbing different light absorption wavelength bands, and each of the photovoltaic layers comprises an electron accepting material. As such, a photovoltaic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of photovoltaic layers having different light absorption regions, and thereby having relatively high photoelectric efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes epitaxial lift-off in which a sacrificial layer is included in the epitaxial growth between the substrate and a thin film III-V compound solar cell. To provide support for the thin film III-V compound solar cell in absence of the substrate, a backing layer is applied to a surface of the thin film III-V compound solar cell before it is separated from the substrate. To separate the thin film III-V compound solar cell from the substrate, the sacrificial layer is removed as part of the epitaxial lift-off. Once the substrate is separated from the thin film III-V compound solar cell, the substrate may then be reused in the formation of another thin film III-V compound solar cell.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of this invention, an improved multilayer anti-reflection (AR) coating is provided on the exterior surface of the front glass substrate of a photovoltaic device. This AR coating functions to reduce reflection of desirable wavelengths from the front glass substrate, thereby allowing more light within the desirable solar spectrum to pass through the incident glass substrate and reach the photovoltaic semiconductor film so that the photovoltaic device can operate more efficiently. Also, the AR coating can reduce the amount of undesirable light (e.g., at least some IR and/or UV radiation) which reaches the semiconductor film of the device. In certain example embodiments, the multilayer AR coating includes a plurality of pairs of alternating high refractive index and low refractive index layers.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to a luminescent object comprising an aligned polymer that contains an oriented photoluminescent material, said aligned polymer having a pretilt angle of 10-90°. The luminescent object according to the present invention may advantageously be employed in luminescent solar concentrator systems as it enables highly efficient transportation of radiation emitted by the photoluminescent material following exposure to incident solar light. Another aspect of the invention concerns a photovoltaic device comprising an electromagnetic radiation collection medium containing the aforementioned luminescent object and a photovoltaic cell capable of converting optical radiation to electrical energy which is optically coupled to the luminescent object. Further aspects of the invention include a fluorescent light activated display and a room lighting system comprising the aforementioned luminescent object.

Abstract: A conjugated or partially conjugated polymer including a structural unit of Formula (I); where T is an aryl or heteroaryl group that may be substituted or unsubstituted, or a C1-C24 alkyl group; R1 is alkyl, alkoxy, aryl group, cyano, or F; and a and b are independently selected from 1, 2 or 3. In addition, a composition of Formula (IV); wherein X is a halogen or a boronate group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for improving the performance of a luminescent concentrator. Performance may be enhanced by incorporating a reflector capable of blocking re-emitted photons from the luminescent material used to make frequency down conversion with a narrow reflection band, while allowing broad transmission of incident sunlight. The reflection band of the reflector that spectrally matches to the bandwidth of re-emission from the luminescent material acts as a luminescence cavity to prevent the outgoing re-emission that cannot be waveguided by total internal reflection to the photovoltaic device(s) located at the side edges of the concentrator.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices or solar cells are provided having one or more photoactive layers where at least one of the photoactive layers comprises a sublayer made of photoactive nanoparticles that differ in size, composition or both.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar cell and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, includes a semiconductor structure combination and a multi-atomic-layer structure formed of at least one oxide. The semiconductor structure combination includes at least one p-n junction and has an illuminated surface. The multi-atomic-layer structure overlays the illuminated surface of the semiconductor structure combination. In particular, the multi-atomic-layer structure serves as a surface passivation layer, a transparent conductive layer, and further as an anti-reflective layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a photovoltaic cell having improved conversion properties. The cell includes a cover for a photovoltaic device. In one embodiment, the cover includes a fluorescent material that shifts the wavelength of some of the incident light to be closer to the wavelength that produces the least amount of thermal loading on the photovoltaic device. In another embodiment, the cover includes a fluorescent material between two reflective filters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transparent flat body including two transparent cover layers (1, 2) that confine between them an active layer (3) whose transparency varies in an electric field and disposed between two electrode layers (6, 7) optionally subdivided into sections, and a photovoltaic element that is connected to two electrode layers (6, 8), preferably via a control stage (11), and that includes a photoactive layer (4) between the two electrode layers (6, 8) of the photovoltaic element (5), characterized in that the photoactive layer (4) is made of two transparent molecular components in a manner known per se, one of the two electrode layers (6, 7) of the active layer (3) is simultaneously one of the two electrode layers (6, 8) of the photovoltaic element (5), and the two transparent cover layers (1, 2) confine between them both the photovoltaic element (5) and the active layer (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) direct energy conversion. In particular, TPV systems use filters to minimize parasitic absorption of below bandgap energy. This invention constitutes a novel combination of front surface filters to increase TPV conversion efficiency by reflecting useless below bandgap energy while transmitting a very high percentage of the useful above bandgap energy. In particular, a frequency selective surface is used in combination with an interference filter. The frequency selective surface provides high transmission of above bandgap energy and high reflection of long wavelength below bandgap energy. The interference filter maintains high transmission of above bandgap energy and provides high reflection of short wavelength below bandgap energy and a sharp transition from high transmission to high reflection.

Abstract: A nanostructured apparatus may include a mesoporous template having an array of regularly-spaced pores. One or more layers of material may conformally coat the walls to a substantially uniform thickness. Such an apparatus can be used in a variety of devices including optoelectronic devices, e.g., light emitting devices (such as LEDs, and lasers) and photovoltaic devices (such as solar cells) optical devices (luminescent, electro-optic, and magnetooptic waveguides, optical filters, optical switches, amplifies, laser diodes, multiplexers, optical couplers, and the like), sensors, chemical devices (such as catalysts) and mechanical devices (such as filters for filtering gases or liquids).

Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic power generating apparatus has a combustor for burning a fuel upon supply of the fuel and air, an emitter heated by passage therein of combustion gas produced in the combustor, and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light radiated from the emitter into electric power, the combustor being provided between the emitter and the conversion element. Preferably, the emitter is disposed above the combustor, and the photoelectric conversion element is disposed below the combustor. With this structure, combustion gas does not reside in the combustion chamber, but is discharged via the emitter disposed above the combustor. Combustion becomes stable, and the emitter is efficiently heated, so that energy radiated from the emitter surface increases.

Abstract: Photovoltaic materials and methods of photovoltaic cell fabrication provide a photovoltaic cell in the form of a fiber. These fibers may be formed into a flexible fabric or textile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion device that improves photoelectric conversion efficiency with the interaction between a transparent substrate with a transparent conductive film, an antireflection film, and a photoelectric conversion unit. The antireflection film contains fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 1.0 &mgr;m and has an uneven surface derived from the fine particles. The glass sheet with a transparent conductive film has a light transmittance of 75% or more in the wavelength region of 800 nm to 900 nm. The photoelectric conversion unit includes at least a photoelectric conversion unit including a photoelectric conversion layer having a band gap of 1.85 eV or less.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a high-speed charge transport material is provided which comprises a polymer of a liquid crystal material which is a triphenylene compound having at least one specific unsaturated group in a molecule. The high-speed charge transport material can achieve a high-speed charge transport of not lower than 1×10−4 cm2·V−1·S−1 within a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A photocell device having enhanced conversion efficiency. The device is adapted to convert light energy to electrical energy in a semiconductor layer, to convert a first, monochromatic light, to a second light of different wavelength, in a fluorescent layer, to transmit the first light through a hot mirror layer, to reflect light from the hot mirror layer, and to reflect light from a mirror layer disposed at a second surface of the device.

Abstract: In a solar cell, there is provided a method of improving external appearance quality by lowering surface reflection and by making a change of a color tone at openings and portions between electrode patterns, resulting from integrating working, inconspicuous. In the solar cell, at the openings and the portions between the electrode patterns resulting from the integrating working, when seen from a light incident side, since the number of laminated films or the materials are different, colors in appearance become different among the respective regions. In the present invention, an insulating resin layer, a rear electrode layer, a sealing resin layer, and the like are colored by containing pigments or the like so that the colors thereof become similar to the color of a region of a structural portion occupying the great part of the solar cell.

Abstract: In a display device for an electronic apparatus, a circular polarizing plate constituted by a linear polarizing plate 42 and a ¼&lgr; plate 43 is provided between a solar display board 41 and a middle frame 46 for fixing a module 45 having a solar cell 44 to an outer case. As a result, a boundary line between the middle frame 46 and the solar cell 44, a gate track generated through injection molding of the middle frame 46, and further more, a solar cell element dividing line of the solar cell 44 cannot be seen. Consequently, a variation in design of the solar display board 41 can be increased. Moreover, the color of the solar display board 41 is deepened so that a feeling of high quality can be obtained as goods, and the provision of the middle frame can provide various external shapes of a watch in respect of the design.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photoelectric conversion device that improves photoelectric conversion efficiency with the interaction between a transparent substrate with a transparent conductive film, an antireflection film, and a photoelectric conversion unit. The antireflection film contains fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 1.0 &mgr;m and has an uneven surface derived from the fine particles. The glass sheet with a transparent conductive film has a light transmittance of 75% or more in the wavelength region of 800 nm to 900 nm. The photoelectric conversion unit includes at least a photoelectric conversion unit including a photoelectric conversion layer having a band gap of 1.85 eV or less.

Abstract: A polarized organic photonics device, including an LED or photovoltaic device, is comprised of a first conductive layer or electrode coated with a friction transferred alignment material, a photoactive material, and a second electrically conductive layer or electrode. The alignment material provides for the orientation of the subsequently deposited photoactive material such that the photoactive material interacts with or emits light preferentially along a selected polarization axis. Additional layers and sublayers optimize and tune the optical and electronic responses of the device.

Abstract: In this method of solar battery output section fabrication, a metal foil is attached to an output terminal on a substrate surface, or a resin film is disposed over a conductive paste as the output terminal on the substrate surface. Subsequently, an opening is cut-out from the back side of the substrate to the metal foil or the conductive paste with a periphery cutter. Or, after the metal foil and a front side protective film is provided over the output terminal on the substrate surface, an opening is cut-out from the surface of the front side protective film to the metal foil with a periphery cutter.

Abstract: There is described a colored photovoltaic cell (1) with a semiconductor, preferably silicon, which has high efficiency and a pleasing colored appearance, allowing it to be used as a dial for a watch or another electronic apparatus powered by the cell. The cell includes a reflective metal substrate (2) serving as the bottom electrode, a stack of hydrogenated amorphous silicon layers forming p-i-n junctions (8), and a transparent top electrode (9). The latter may be coated with a layer (16) of slightly diffusing lacquer, which may be colorless or colored. The respective thicknesses e1 of the top electrode and e2 of the silicon are combined as a function of the refractive indices of the materials so as to produce an interferential reflection in a predetermined reflection spectrum.