Abstract: Within a method for forming a metal-silicon layer there is first provided a reactor chamber. There is then positioned within the reactor chamber a substrate spaced from a metal source target. There is also provided within the reactor chamber a minimum of a sputter material and a reactive silicon material. There is then sputtered the metal source target positioned within the reactor chamber with the sputter material provided within the reactor chamber in the presence of the reactive silicon material provided within the reactor chamber to form a metal-silicon layer over the substrate. The method is particularly useful for forming metal silicate layers, metal silicon nitride layers and metal silicon oxynitride layers within microelectronic fabrications. An alternative method employs: (1) a silicon source target rather than a metal source target; and (2) a reactive metal material rather than a reactive silicon material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic generator including at least one photovoltaic cell, and a transparent matrix placed with at least one optically active material with an absorption wavelength &lgr;a and a reemission wavelength &lgr;r, the optically active material selected such that &lgr;a corresponds to a range of the photovoltaic cell with a lower sensitivity than &lgr;r, the matrix having an input surface and an opposite surface and comprises a reflecting coating an a dichroic filter on the input surface that substantially reflects wavelengths longer than about 950 nm and is substantially transparent for wavelengths less than about 950 nm, and on the opposite surface the matrix has a reflecting coating that reflects wavelengths greater than about 400 nm, and wherein the photovoltaic cell is included in the matrix.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device comprising a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive film, a semiconductor thin film, and a metallic electrode film, the three film being formed on one side of the substrate. The distribution of thickness of the transparent conductive film is within a range of +/−10% of the center thickness. A transparent thin film including at least one layer is formed between the transparent substrate and the transparent conductive film. The colors a* and b* of light reflected from the transparent substrate on which the light is incident vary in the range of +/−5 of the colors a* and b*.

Abstract: A powder glass solution is applied on top of a solar cell 12 with electrodes 17 formed thereon, and solvent is volatilized, followed by baking process, by which a glass 13 is directly formed on the top of the solar cell 12. In this way, the alignment between solar cell and glass as well as the finish work of removing overflowed adhesive are eliminated. Also, by selecting a powder glass having a coefficient of thermal expansion generally similar to that of a P-type silicon substrate 14, distortion by heating due to abrupt temperature changes is reduced. Thus, cost reduction and reliability improvement can be fulfilled.

Abstract: A photovoltaic element comprising a p-type semiconductor layer and a transparent conductive layer comprised of indium tin oxide bonded to each other at a surface is provided. The sum of tin oxide content and tin content of the transparent conductive layer varies in the layer thickness direction and is lowest at the bonding surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and the transparent conductive layer. Thus provided is a photovoltaic element which has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency with decreased reduction even when exposed to an intense light for a long period.

Abstract: Provided is a photovoltaic element comprising a p-type semiconductor layer and a transparent conductive layer comprised of indium tin oxide bonded to each other at a surface, wherein the sum of tin oxide content and tin content of the transparent conductive layer varies in the layer thickness direction and is minimum at the bonding surface of the p-type semiconductor layer and the transparent conductive layer. Thus provided is a photovoltaic element which has a high photoelectric conversion efficiency with less lowering even when exposed to an intense light for a long term.

Abstract: A thin-film solar module consists of a number of solar cells tandem mounted and series-connected on a common substrate and a number of diodes disposed antiparallel and adjacent thereto. Overlap zones are formed by a projecting edge area of an electrode layer of a solar cell or diode engaging a recess of the corresponding electrode layer of the adjacent diode or solar cell. Each diode is connected in the reverse direction with the adjacent solar cell in at least two overlap zones, the front electrode layer of the diode with the back electrode layer of the solar cell in at least one of said overlap zones, and the back electrode layer of the diode with the front electrode layer of the solar cell in at least one other overlap zone. The photovoltaically active layer sequence is additionally separated by grooves in areas of the grooves of the back electrode layer.

Abstract: An amorphous silicon-based thin film photovoltaic device having a glass substrate and a laminate structure formed on the glass substrate and consisting of a transparent electrode, a semiconductor layer containing an amorphous silicon-based semiconductor and a back electrode, in which the glass substrate has a transmittance of 88 to 90% for light having a wavelength of 700 nm and 84 to 87% for light having a wavelength of 800 nm.

Abstract: A borosilicate glass having properties that enable it to be drawn as microsheets for use as a solar cell cover glass, and a solar cell having such microsheet as a cover glass, the glass having a composition consisting essentially of, expressed in terms of weight percent on an oxide basis: SiO2 59-69 ZnO 6.5-8.5 B2O3 8.5-14  CeO2 0.25-3   Al2O3   2-2.5 TiO2 0-1 Na2O  5.5-12.5 CeO2 + TiO2 0.5-4   K2O 0-8 Sb2O3    0-0.5.

Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a photovoltaic element having a light receiving face on which a collecting electrode having an electrically conductive coat and a surface side cover comprising a filler and a surface protective film sequentially laminated on the light incident side of said photovoltaic element, wherein a thin resin layer is interposed between said photovoltaic element and said filler such that gaps present in said conductive coat of the collecting electrode are filled by said thin resin layer.

Abstract: A photoresponsive electrode for a wet solar cell wherein on a metal film having fixed thereon a photoresponsive molecule such as, for example, a porphyrin derivative, there is fixed by vapor deposition a light-irradiating portion such as a prism or optical fibers, and the metal film is irradiated with a light via the light-irradiating portion at about the resonance incident angle .theta. of inducing surface plasmon resonance in the interface between the metal film and the light-irradiating portion, and a wet solar cell using the photoresponsive electrode. In the photoresponsive electrode, the reflection of the incident light at the metal film can be restrained and the photoresponsive molecule can be efficiently excited even by sunlight of a low energy and the wet solar cell has a very excellent photoelectric transformation efficiency.

Abstract: An ultraviolet and infrared reflecting coating with a wide transmission band and a solar cell cover on which the coating has been deposited. The coating contains a multilayer bandpass filter, and some of the layers of this filter are comprised of mixed materials which have a selectable index of refraction. The design can be optimized by varying the index or refraction of at least one of the layers of mixed material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solar-battery-mounted display structure which comprises a solar battery (16) having a light-receiving surface (16a) disposed in a displaying portion, a light-transmissive plate (17) disposed on the front side of the light-receiving surface and having a predetermined light-transmittance, and an coating layer (20) formed on the back surface of the light-transmissive plate such that the solar battery can securely generate at least a predetermined amount of electric power. Since an coating layer is formed on the back surface of the light-transmissive plate, no coating layer is necessary on the light-receiving surface of the solar battery. Due to this, consideration of suitability of such a coating layer to the light-receiving surface is not required, and discarding or exchange of the solar battery due to defects in such a coating layer is not required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar battery module including: a solar battery cell; and a surface material laminated to cover a surface of said cell; wherein a photocatalyst layer is formed on said surface material. With this module, it is possible to prevent contamination to the surface material of a solar battery module and prevent loss of sunlight irradiation energy to the solar battery, and hence to maintain an electric generation power for a long time.

Abstract: The photo-semiconducting electrode of the present invention comprises a semiconducting substrate, a chemically adsorbed film formed thereon composed of at least one compound selected from the compounds represented by the formulas: formulas (I) R.sup.1 M.sup.1 Y.sub.1.sub.3, (II) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1.sub.2, (III) R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 M.sup.1 Y.sup.1 and (IV) R.sup.1 --SH, respectively, and a dye which is fixed to the surface of the chemically adsorbed film and has a functional group capable of reacting with a halogen atom. Because of this, the photo-semiconductor electrode of the present invention is capable of efficiently absorbing solar light and performing energy conversion and superior in photoelectric conversion efficiency, stability and durability. In addition, it can be easily produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a photoelectric transfer device which comprises a photoelectric transfer element, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and an ultraviolet cut-off layer, said cholesteric liquid crystal layer being arranged between said photoelectric transfer element and said ultraviolet cut-off layer and said ultraviolet cut-off layer being arranged at the side for the incidence of light. According to this invention, there is provided a colorful photoelectric transfer device which is prepared at an inexpensive cost without a marked decrease in the generation efficiency of the photoelectric transfer element and is fit to be used over a prolonged period.

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: A method of fabricating a resonant micromesh filter having conductive antenna elements sized on the order of microns. The steps comprise of first creating an exposure mask having absorbing portions capable of stopping incident ions completely and transmitting portions incapable of stopping incident ions and through which incident ions can pass. The absorbing and transmitting portions form in the mask in the pattern of the antenna elements to be fabricated. Second, an exposure mask confronting an unpatterned filter is positioned. The unpatterned filter includes: a substrate, a thin metal foil mounted on the substrate, and a resist material covering the metal flow. Third, ions are passed through the exposure mask. The absorbing portions of the mask stop the ions and the transmitting portions allow the ions to pass through the mask and expose the section of the resist material of the filter in the pattern of the antenna elements.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is provided which can selectively and stably control the color of an intended exterior surface, particularly a light-incident surface side, of the photovoltaic device, and which exhibits high performance. A diffuser layer is provided on a light incident plane side of the photovoltaic device for scattering and dispersing incident light. By providing a coloring layer thereon to color incident light or using a structure where the diffuser layer itself is colored, reduction of photoelectromotive force performance is minimized while adding color to the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: A screening layer is disposed on the front side of a solar battery to diffuse reflected light from the solar battery so as to reduce the quantity of light traveling outward from the front side of the solar battery. The screening layer prevents the reflected light from traveling outward so that the solar battery disposed on the back side thereof is concealed from view. An optical member is disposed on the front side of the screening layer to transmit light of wavelengths in a predetermined wavelength range included in the light incident the front surface thereof at a predetermined transmittance, and a diffusing layer is disposed on the front side of the optical member to diffuse reflected light from the optical member in nondirectional, soft light rays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for emitting a laser like monochromatic narrow beam of light at a selected wavelength from a heated emitter member having a plurality of parallel layers while reducing emission at other wavelengths of light. The parallel layers are overlaid with each other. Each of the parallel layers extends transversely for a particular width. A heat source stimulates the emitter member to emit photons, which are determined by the composition of materials within the emitter member. The emitter member emits monochromatic light at a selected wavelength in response to the photon emissions. The selected wavelength of the monochromatic light is determined by the width of the layers of the emitter member. Light at other wavelengths does not transmit through and their emissivity also decreases.

Abstract: A diffuse transmission layer (15) is provided on the front side of a solar battery (13), and the light entering the front side of the solar battery is diffused. A part of the light is reflected toward the front side, and another part is directed to the solar battery (13). The diffuse transmission layer (15) contains a fluorescent substance (14). The fluorescent substance (14) absorbs a predetermined wavelength band of the light incident to the front side of the solar battery and emits fluorescent light. The light generated by the fluorescent substance (14) is diffused within the diffuse transmission layer (15). A part of the light is emitted to the front side, and another part falls onto the solar battery (13). Owing to this arrangement, a bright external appearance of the device can be obtained, hiding the solar battery (13). A sufficient amount of light energy can be supplied to the solar battery (13).

Abstract: A filter system to transmit short wavelength radiation and reflect long wavelength radiation for a thermophotovoltaic energy conversion cell comprises an optically transparent substrate segregation layer with at least one coherent wavelength in optical thickness; a dielectric interference filter deposited on one side of the substrate segregation layer, the interference filter being disposed toward the source of radiation, the interference filter including a plurality of alternating layers of high and low optical index materials adapted to change from transmitting to reflecting at a nominal wavelength .lambda..sub.IF approximately equal to the bandgap wavelength .lambda..sub.g of the thermophotovoltaic cell, the interference filter being adapted to transmit incident radiation from about 0.5.lambda..sub.IF to .lambda..sub.IF and reflect from .lambda..sub.IF to about 2.lambda..sub.

Abstract: A parallel paired, closely coupled, first and second resonant notch filter array. The disclosed frequency doubling filters are particularly useful in the field of thermophotovoltaics for upgrading black body radiation from heated objects to a shorter wavelength such as for illuminating silicon solar cells.

Abstract: A system for modifying the radiant energy spectrum of a thermal energy source to produce a desired spectral bandwidth profile including a frequency-selective resonant micromesh filter (50) confronting a thermal energy source (80). Micromesh filter (50) includes an array of resonant-conductive antenna elements (50', 50") and a substrate (56) for supporting the antenna elements. Thermal radiation (82) emitted from energy source (80) is filtered by micromesh filter (50), wherein radiant energy at particular wavelengths is reflected back to the energy source, while certain wavelength photons are transmitted through the micromesh filter.

Abstract: A display is constructed having a flat screen consisting of pixels which may be individually excited to create an image. The pixels are excitable between a light reflective and a transparent state in which they are visible in the reflective state and dark in the transparent state. A solar panel is mounted behind the flat screen to receive light transmitted by the transparent pixels. The solar panel converts the light to electric power to supplement the battery operation of the device.

Abstract: A new solar cell cover comprises a substrate that transmits the spectral region to which the solar cell responds and a multilayer infrared-reflecting coating which incorporates means for suppressing low order reflections. The multilayer coating may also contain ultraviolet or blue coatings and be formed on one or both substrate surfaces. The multilayer coating reflects spectral bands which are adjacent to the short- and long-wavelength limits of the spectral response of the cell. The upper limit wavelength of the short-wavelength reflection band and the lower wavelength limit of the long-wavelength reflection band are independent and may be separately specified.

Abstract: In the present invention, a thermophotovoltaic electric power generator is described. It contains low bandgap photovoltaic cells sensitive in the infrared out to at least 1.7 microns and a broadband infrared emitter with a shortpass IR filter located between the cells and the emitter to recycle the nonuseful IR back to the emitter. Several specific IR filter designs as well as filter/cell and filter/emitter combinations are described all of which improve the overall generator conversion efficiency.

Abstract: Plasma polymerized organic films deposited on a substrate exhibit broad bandwidth photoluminescence after excitation with blue, violet, or ultraviolet light. The photoluminescent properties of such organic films may be exploited by using such films as wavelength transformers for photovoltaic materials, as organic solid-state gain media, as process quality control tools, and as color-correcting coatings for fluorescent lamps.

Abstract: Forming a color filter by vacuum depositing alternating layers of SiO.sub.2 and TiO.sub.2 at a temperature of less than 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A new composition of matter is described comprising a stretch oriented electrically-conducting light-polarizing film. An improved light-electric power converting film uses molecular diodes (diads) in this film composition aligned head-to-tail by light and an electric field. The area of the film is utilized more efficiently by reversing the head-to-tail directions of the diads in adjacent areas. This film is laminated to an electrode structure connected to busbars on a substrate sheet. Current flow through the film is unidirectional between pairs of adjacent electrodes, and is summed on busbars connected to an external load. Two such films arranged orthogonally convert about 72% of the incident light power to electric power. A manufacturing device is disclosed. Critical Ranges of parameters are derived and experimental data presented.

Abstract: A liquid crystal coverslide for both protecting and concealing solar cells and solar cell arrays is disclosed. A conventional construction of an emulsion of encapsulated liquid crystal droplets is sandwiched between two pieces of polyester or silica to form a coverslide which is in turn mounted over a solar cell or solar cell arrays. The liquid crystal coverslide is electrically switched between transparent and opaque operating modes in order to achieve full light transmission-full power output or protection-concealment.

Abstract: In this sensitive, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, photo-detector, one surface of an amorphous silicon photovoltaic element is bonded to a thin transparent conductive layer formed on an insulating base. A conductive pattern is formed on the opposite surface of the element. The conductive layer may be formed of indium-tin oxide (ITO) and the photovoltaic element may be an element with an intrinsic semiconducting layer between p and n doped layers. The photovoltaic element generates component currents in response to photons passing through the transparent base and conducting layer. Those current components flowing predominantly in a direction at right angles to the photovoltaic element surfaces are summed by the conductive pattern which acts as a spatial filter, responsive to desired ones of these components and relatively unresponsive to other current components.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cell and wavelength-shifting device, comprising a dihydropyridine condensation product chelated to a lanthanide metal ion, to expand the solar spectrum available to the cell for conversion into electricity. Method to detect an amine or an aldehyde for forming a dihydropyridine condensation product chelated to a lanthanide metal ion and measuring the long life fluorescence of the chelated metal ion to determine the amount of amine or aldehyde present.

Abstract: A power generating optical filter specially tuned to (1) transmit at least portions of selected wavelengths of incident light and (2) generate electrical power from absorbed portions of selected wavelengths of incident light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar converter structure and fabrication process therefor which includes a composite zinc selenide fluorescent wavelength shifter (FWS) prepared with anti-reflective (AR) coatings on both major surfaces thereof. One of these AR coatings is adhesively bonded to an AR coating on the sunlight-receiving surface of a gallium arsenide or an aluminum gallium arsenide photovoltaic (PV) solar cell, and the "free-standing" FWS composite wavelength shifter protects the solar cell from proton and ultraviolet radiation damage. The ZnSe wavelength shifter has a spectral response below about 0.47 micrometers and the solar cell has a spectral response above about 0.47 micrometers. The wavelength shifter absorbs radiation in the 0.3 to 0.47 micrometer range and re-emits radiation to the solar cell in a band centered about 0.62 micrometers and well within the pn junction response spectra for the solar cell to thereby enhance its power output.

Abstract: A hybrid solar energy generating system for effectively utilizing the total solar spectrum gathered by a solar ray concentrator. The system includes a first solar ray receiver having fluid-cooled photovoltaic solar cells for generating electricity and low-temperature heat. A second solar ray receiver is provided for generating high-temperature heat. A lens focuses the solar rays on the first receiver. A selective transmitting heat-mirror is positioned between the lens and the first solar ray receiver for reflecting selected portions of the solar ray spectrum to the second solar ray receiver and passing essentially the remaining solar ray spectrum to the first solar ray receiver. The heat-mirror reflects all solar rays having wavelengths longer than the long-wave spectral response cut-off of the photovoltaic solar cells and a selected part of the solar rays having wavelengths shorter than the long-wave spectral response cut-off.

Abstract: An antireflective film (7, 8) for photoelectric devices comprises at least a layer having a refractive index being the largest on the side abutting on the light receiving surface (2a) or the light emitting surface of a photoelectric device and continuously decreasing according to the distance outward from said side.

Abstract: A power generating optical filter specially tuned to (1) transmit at least portions of selected wavelengths of incident light and (2) generate electrical power from absorbed portions of selected wavelengths of incident light.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell formed on a crystal substrate in which the lattice constant of the material of which the substrate is composed differs from the lattice constant of crystal material of which at least one component cell is composed. A lattice-graded bridging epilayer is formed over curved surface regions of the crystal substrate.

Abstract: The flexible photovoltaic cell includes thin front and rear junction regions electrically in series, each formed of ceramic metallic glass semi-conductor alloys of silicon of approximately zero thermal expansion/contraction coefficient laminated with an intervening semi-conducting layer less than 60 Angstroms thick or an insulating layer less than 20 Angstroms thick. The respective spectral sensitivities of the front and rear junction regions are tailored to different frequency ranges. In front are six layers described in sequence rear to front. The lowermost (sixth) is a green/blue semi-insulating cobalt and tin passivating and filter layer less than 10 Angstroms thick. The fifth is a semi-conductive, degradation-protective "window" and one-way mirror for returning back-reflected light. The fourth is an insulating tunneling layer less than 15 Angstroms thick for coupling a front collection grid to the "window".

Abstract: Novel photovoltaic cell systems, particularly silicon cells, for converting electromagnetic radiation into electric energy, wherein a luminescent medium or reagent which will absorb radiation at the shorter wavelengths, e.g. the UV, and emit it at longer wavelengths is disposed between the light source and the cell to increase its efficiency, the essence of the invention being the use of a class of anthracene dimer derivatives known in the literature as lepidopterenes as the luminescent medium or reagent. The structural formula for the lepidopterenes is shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: An apparatus in which amorphous silicon solar cells are formed on a heat collecting plate. The solar cells are formed by using a superstrate or a substrate. Both a light-permeable superstrate and a metallic substrate are available for use. If the light-permeable superstrate is adopted, metallic electrodes, formed on the side of the heat collecting plate as lower electrodes of the solar cells, are attached to the heat collecting plate through electrically insulating adhesives, provided that the upper surface of the superstrate is exposed against the incident sunlight. The light-permeable superstrate is made of a heat absorbing material transmitting light having a wavelength range which is absorbed by the amorphous silicon layer of the solar cells while absorbing light having a wavelength range which is transmitted through the amorphous silicon layer thereby to convert the light into thermal energy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar converter structure and fabrication process therefor which includes a composite zinc selenide fluorescent wavelength shifter (FWS) prepared with anti-reflective (AR) coatings on both major surfaces thereof. One of these AR coatings is adhesively bonded to an AR coating on the sunlight-receiving surface of a gallium arsenide or an aluminum gallium arsenide photovoltaic (PV) solar cell, and the "free-standing" FWS composite wavelength shifter protects the solar cell from proton and ultraviolet radiation damage. The ZnSe wavelength shifter has a spectral response below about 0.47 micrometers and the solar cell has a spectral response above about 0.47 micrometers. The wavelength shifter absorbs radiation in the 0.3 to 0.47 micrometer range and re-emits radiation to the solar cell in a band centered about 0.62 micrometers and well within the pn junction response spectra for the solar cell to thereby enhance its power output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell-powered calculator or the like which features an integrated unit comprising solar cells and a protective filter which provides easier handling and minimum damage to the solar cells during handling processes. Such a solar cell-powered appliance easily implements electrical connection either between the solar cells themselves or between solar cells and peripheral electronic parts merely by placing the cell-filter integrated unit inside the cabinet in a simple process. In addition, such an advantageous configuration makes it possible to replace the solar cells using an extremely simple process.

Abstract: The flexible photovoltaic cell includes thin front and rear junction regions electrically in series each formed of ceramic metallic glass semi-conductor alloys of silicon of approximately zero thermal expansion/contraction coefficient laminated with an intervening semi-conducting layer less than 60 Angstroms thick or an insulating layer less than 20 Angstroms thick. The respective spectral sensitivities of front and rear junction regions are tailored to different frequency ranges. In front are six layers described in sequence rear to front. The lowermost (sixth) is a green/blue semi-insulating cobalt and tin passivating and filter layer less than 10 Angstroms thick. The fifth is a semi-conductive, degradation-protective "window" and one-way mirror for returning back-reflected light. The fourth is an insulating tunneling layer less than 15 Angstroms thick for coupling a front collection grid to the "window".

Abstract: A combined solar converter which has a photovoltaic cell for converting the energy of solar radiation of a particular range of wavelengths to electricity and which has a thermal heat absorber spaced from the cell which converts solar radiation of longer wavelengths passing from the cell to useful heat.A method of utilizing solar energy comprising the step of subjecting a photovoltaic cell to solar radiation to convert energy of a particular range of wavelengths to which the cell is sensitive to electricity and transferring long wave radiations passing from a cell to a heat absorber spaced from the cell where the energy of the long wave radiation is transferred to useful heat.

Abstract: A system for activating solar cells involves the use of phosphorescent paint, the light from which is amplified by a thin magnifying lens and used to activate solar cells. In a typical system, a member painted with phosphorescent paint is mounted adjacent a thin magnifying lens which focuses the light on a predetermined array of sensitive cells such as selenium, cadmium or silicon, mounted on a plastic board. A one-sided mirror is mounted adjacent the cells to reflect the light back onto said cells for purposes of further intensification. The cells may be coupled to rechargeable batteries or used to directly power a small radio or watch.

Abstract: In a large-area photovoltaic cell containing a photoactive semiconductor layer which contacts another semiconductor layer, metal or an electrolyte to form a depletion layer, and further containing an electrode and a counter electrode for current collection, the improvement which comprises employing as a substrate for said photoactive semiconducting layer a metallized textile sheet, the metal constituting one of the electrodes, the sheet having been metallized by depositing the metal thereon wet-chemically without current. The metal thickness may be built up with or without current. Such cells have low internal resistances and are highly efficient.

Abstract: A luminescent solar radiation concentrator is disclosed. Incident radiation of flux .phi..sub.1, and wavelength .lambda..sub.1, impinges enclosure wall V.sub.1 having a double index of refraction n.sub.1, n.sub.2 (where n.sub.2 >n.sub.1) and then is absorbed by cascade fluorescent concentrator/converter CL, which isotropically re-emits fluorescent radiation at wavelength .lambda..sub.2 and flux .phi..sub.2 (where .lambda..sub.2 >.lambda..sub.1, and .phi..sub.2 >.phi..sub.1) which then is absorbed by a solar photovoltaic cell. The double index of refraction wall prevents escape of fluorescence radiation from the enclosure.