Abstract: A light detection system is disclosed. The system comprises a light absorbing layer made of a semiconductor having majority carriers and minority carriers, and being incorporated with bandgap modifying atoms at a concentration selected so as to allow generation of photocurrent indicative of absorption of photons at any wavelength at least in the range of from about 3 ?m to about 5 ?m.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed regarding photoelectrochemical solar cells formed using inkjet printing and nanocomposite organic-inorganic materials, such as for converting solar energy into electricity. An exemplary solid photoelectrochemical solar cell formation includes thin layers of nanocomposite organic-inorganic materials.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising a photoelectric conversion part including a first electrode, a second electrode opposing to the first electrode and a photoelectric conversion layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein a smoothing layer for reducing roughness of a surface of the photoelectric conversion layer is provided between the first electrode or the second electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A moisture detector includes a light-receiving element including an absorption layer having a pn-junction, or an array of the light-receiving elements, wherein the absorption layer has a multiquantum well structure composed of a Group III-V semiconductor, the pn-junction is formed by selectively diffusing an impurity element into the absorption layer, and the concentration of the impurity in the absorption layer is 5×1016/cm3 or less. The moisture detector receives light having at least one wavelength included in an absorption band of water lying in a wavelength range of 3 ?m or less, thereby detecting moisture.

Abstract: A method of forming thin film solar cell includes the following steps. A substrate is provided, and a plurality of first electrodes are formed on the substrate. A printing process is performed to print a light-absorbing material on the substrate and the first electrodes to form a plurality of light-absorbing patterns. Each of the light-absorbing patterns corresponds to two adjacent first electrodes, partially covers the two adjacent first electrodes, and partially exposes the two adjacent first electrodes. A plurality of second electrodes are formed on the light-absorbing patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wire type thin film solar cell, including: a metal wire which is made of any one selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W); an N-type layer which is deposited on a circumference of the metal wire and conducts electrons generated from the metal wire; a P-type layer which is deposited on the N-type layer and emits electrons excited by solar light; and a transparent electrode layer which is deposited on the P-type layer. The wire type thin film solar cell can exhibit high photoelectric conversion efficiency compared to conventional flat-plate type thin film solar cells and can be easily manufactured into a highly-dense solar cell module.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting light in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention includes providing at least one imaging sensor that detects a band of wavelengths. At least one layer of undoped quantum dots is optically coupled to the at least one imaging sensor. The at least one layer of undoped quantum dots absorbs at one or more wavelengths outside the band of wavelengths and outputs at least partially in the band of wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell which can obtain a high photoelectric conversion efficiency, which can be manufactured at a low cost, and which is superior in a design property, and a method of manufacturing the same. Dye supporting porous titanium oxide layers 2a to 2d are formed on a transparent conductive substrate 1 so as to display predetermined colors, respectively, and compose predetermined patterns, respectively, in accordance with selection of a thickness, a lamination structure, a particle diameter of titanium oxide fine particles, or a combination ratio of two or more kinds of titanium oxide fine particles when titanium oxide fine particles are composed of the two or more kinds of titanium oxide fine particles different in particle diameter from one another.

Abstract: Solar cells and methods for use and making these solar cells are disclosed. An exemplary solar cell includes a first electrode. The solar cell also includes a nanocrystal film of a single material disposed in contact with the first electrode. The solar cell also includes a second electrode disposed in contact with the nanocrystal film, not in contact with the first electrode.

Abstract: Solar cell structures formed using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) that can achieve improved power efficiencies in relation to prior art thin film solar cell structures are provided. A reverse p-n junction solar cell device and methods for forming the reverse p-n junction solar cell device using MBE are described. A variety of n-p junction and reverse p-n junction solar cell devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided. N-intrinsic-p junction and reverse p-intrinsic-n junction solar cell devices are also described.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing of optoelectronic devices based on thin-film, intermediate band materials, characterized in that it comprises, at least, the following steps: a first stage wherein a substrate (1) is coated with a metal layer acting as electrode (2); a second stage, whereby atop the metal layer (2) a p-type semiconductor (3) is deposited; and a third stage, whereby the intermediate band material is processed; and wherein such an intermediate band material comprises nanoscopic structures (4) of multinary material of the type (Cu,Ag)(Al,Ga,In)(S,Se,Te)2 embedded in a matrix (5) of a similar composition, except for the absence of, at least, one cationic species present in the nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the growing of nitride semiconductors, applicable for a multitude of semiconductor devices such as diodes, LEDs and transistors. According to the method of the invention nitride semiconductor nanowires are grown utilizing a CVD based selective area growth technique. A nitrogen source and a metal-organic source are present during the nanowire growth step and at least the nitrogen source flow rate is continuous during the nanowire growth step. The V/III-ratio utilized in the inventive method is significantly lower than the V/III-ratios commonly associated with the growth of nitride based semiconductor.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing method of a photo detector. The method includes: forming a first single crystal semiconductor layer and an optical waveguide protruding from the first single crystal semiconductor layer; forming an insulation layer on the first single crystal semiconductor layer to cover the optical waveguide; forming an opening by etching the insulation layer to expose the top surface of the optical waveguide; forming a second single crystal semiconductor layer from the top surface of the exposed optical waveguide, in the opening; and selectively forming a poly semiconductor layer from the top surface of the second single crystal semiconductor layer, the poly semiconductor layer being doped with dopants.

Abstract: In a solar cell comprising a semiconductor substrate 11 and a i-type amorphous semiconductor layer 12 formed on a back surface of the semiconductor substrate 11, the i-type amorphous semiconductor layer 12 includes an exposed portion 12A exposed in a planer view, and a covered portion 12B covered with each of the p-type semiconductor layer 13 and the n-type semiconductor layer 14. A thickness T1 of the exposed portion 12A is less than a thickness T2 of the covered portion 12B.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element and a method for manufacturing the same which provide a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element capable of solving the problem of decreasing the efficiency of photoelectric conversion over time and significantly improving durability, and a method for manufacturing the same, and also relates to an electronic apparatus. A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element has a structure in which an electrolyte layer 7 is filled between a semiconductor layer 3 and a counter electrode 6. Z907 and dye A are bounded in different configurations as photosensitizing dyes to the semiconductor layer 3. The electrolyte layer 7 contains 3-methoxypropionitrile as a solvent.

Abstract: Electrical devices comprised of nanowires are described, along with methods of their manufacture and use. The nanowires can be nanotubes and nanowires. The surface of the nanowires may be selectively functionalized. Nanodetector devices are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating an image sensor array in a manner that reduces the potential for defects resulting from electrostatic discharge events during fabrication of the image sensor array. The method includes: forming at least one pixel over a substrate, the pixel including a switching transistor and a photo-sensitive cell; and forming a dielectric interlayer over the pixel. A key step in the method of the present invention is depositing a first conductive layer over the dielectric interlayer. After the first conductive layer is formed, the image sensor array is well protected from ESD events because the first conductive layer spreads out any charge induced by tribo-electric charging events that may occur during subsequent fabrication processing steps, thereby reducing the potential for localized damage to the switching transistors upon the occurrence of ESD events.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a thin film solar cell that increase homogeneity in film characteristics. In a process of conveying a substrate from one roll to another roll, a power generation layer, which is a laminated body of a plurality of semiconductor layers, is formed in a plurality of film formation compartments partitioned along a conveying direction between the roll pair. A plurality of flat application electrodes are laid out in the conveying direction facing toward the substrate in each film formation compartment. Each flat application electrode includes a power supply terminal supplied with high frequency power in a VHF band. When the wavelength of the high frequency power is represented by ?, the distance between an edge of the flat application electrode and the power supply terminal is set to be shorter than ?/4 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A system (11) is designed to coat a film-like, long carrier (18) for thin-film solar cells on the absorber layer thereof with cadmium sulfide. To this end, the carrier (18) is continuously guided through a solution (23) made of cadmium acetate, ammonia and thiourea or is immersed into a bath (22) with said solution (23). By using a wide, very long and flat tub (24) containing the solution (23), the required amount for the coating is minimized, such that the consumption of solution (23) is low.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell including a substrate, a first conductive layer, a photovoltaic layer and a second conductive layer is provided. The first conductive layer is doped with boron atoms so as to have a texture structure. Isotope B10 doped in the first conductive layer accounts for more than 19.9% relative to the total boron atoms. The first conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The photovoltaic layer is disposed on the first conductive layer. The second conductive layer is disposed on the photovoltaic layer. The present invention further provides a manufacturing method of a thin film solar cell, a method for increasing carrier mobility in a semiconductor device, and a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A method for producing a monocrystalline solar cell having a passivated back side and a back side contact structure, having the following steps: applying a passivating dielectric layer onto the back side of the cell over the entire surface; removing the passivating layer locally in the area of bus bars and local contact locations; coating the back side of the cell homogeneously to develop an unpatterned, thin metal layer, which touches the surface of the substrate material in the areas free of the passivating layer; generating a thick layer from a conductive paste in the area of the bus bars and the local contact locations; and sintering of the thick layer at a temperature above a predefined eutectic temperature, and the formation of a eutectic, low-resistance connection of the thin metal layer to the surface of the substrate material as well as to the conductive particles of the thick layer paste.

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device includes: a first semiconductor layer having a first major surface, a second major surface which is an opposite side from the first major surface, and a side surface; a second semiconductor layer provided on the second major surface of the first semiconductor layer and including a light-emitting layer; electrodes provided on the second major surface of the first semiconductor layer and on a surface of the second semiconductor layer on an opposite side from the first semiconductor layer; an insulating layer having a first surface formed on the second major surface side of the first semiconductor layer and a second surface which is an opposite side from the first surface; an external terminal which is a conductor provided on the second surface side of the insulating layer; and a phosphor layer provided on the first major surface of the first semiconductor layer and on a portion of the first surface of the insulating layer, the portion being adjacent to the side surface of t

Abstract: There is provided a process for forming a layer of electroactive material having a substantially flat profile. The process includes the steps of providing a workpiece having at least one active area; depositing a liquid composition including the electroactive material onto the workpiece in the active area, to form a wet layer; treating the wet layer on the workpiece at a controlled temperature in the range of ?25 to 80° C. and under a vacuum in the range of 10?6 to 1,000 Torr, for a first period of 1-100 minutes, to form a partially dried layer; and heating the partially dried layer to a temperature above 100° C. for a second period of 1-50 minutes to form a dried layer.

Abstract: X-ray radiation is converted by a photodetector into an electric charge. Nanoparticles are incorporated into the active organic layer of the photodetector.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device and methods for forming an amorphous silicon layer for use in a photovoltaic device are provided. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic device includes a p-type amorphous silicon layer formed on a substrate, a barrier layer formed on the p-type amorphous silicon layer, and an intrinsic type amorphous silicon layer formed on the barrier layer. The barrier layer is a carbon doped amorphous silicon layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a polymer solar cell is illustrated. A substrate and a first conductive layer formed thereon are provided. An organic active semiconductor material and a functional organic material, which features modifying an interface between an organic layer and electrodes, are dissolved in an organic solvent to form a blend. The blend is deposited on the first conductive layer by solution process. The organic solvent is removed, such that the functional organic material and the organic active semiconductor material exhibit phase separation so as to form an organic modified layer on the top of the organic active semiconductor layer. A second conductive layer is deposited by thermal coating on the organic modified layer. Importantly, the organic modified layer formed by spontaneous phase separation effectively modifies the interface between the organic active semiconductor layer and a second conductive layer, thereby enhancing efficiency of an organic solar cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film photovoltaic device and a method of forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The thin film photovoltaic device has a substrate, a thin film layer formed on the substrate and first and second electrodes formed on one side of the thin film layer. By applying an electric field over the first and second electrodes, the thin film layer is polarized in a direction parallel to the surface plane of the film. Upon exposure to light, the thin film layer converts light energy into electricity. According to the method, a thin film layer is formed on a substrate. A first electrode and a second electrode are formed on one side of the thin film layer. By applying an electric field over the first and second electrodes, the thin film layer is polarized in a direction parallel to the surface plane of the film.

Abstract: A ZnO-based thin film transistor (TFT) is provided herein, as is a method of manufacturing the TFT. The ZnO-based TFT has a channel layer that comprises ZnO and ZnCl, wherein the ZnCl has a higher bonding energy than ZnO with respect to plasma. The ZnCl is formed through the entire channel layer, and specifically is formed in a region near the surface of the channel layer. Since the ZnCl is strong enough not to be decomposed when exposed to plasma etching gas, an increase in the carrier concentration can be prevented. The distribution of ZnCl in the channel layer, may result from the inclusion of chlorine (Cl) in the plasma gas during the patterning of the channel layer.

Abstract: Electrical devices comprised of nanowires are described, along with methods of their manufacture and use. The nanowires can be nanotubes and nanowires. The surface of the nanowires may be selectively functionalized. Nanodetector devices are described.

Abstract: In the frame of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell a layer (3) of silicon compound is deposited on a structure (1). The yet uncovered surface (3a) is treated in a predetermined oxygen (O2) containing atmosphere which additionally contains a dopant (D). Thereby, the silicon compound layer is oxidized and doped in a thin surface area (5).

Abstract: A photodetector which uses single or multi-layer graphene as the photon detecting layer is disclosed. Multiple embodiments are disclosed with different configurations of electrodes. In addition, a photodetector array comprising multiple photodetecting elements is disclosed for applications such as imaging and monitoring.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device capable of improving an output characteristic is provided. The photovoltaic device includes an n-type single-crystal silicon substrate, a p-type amorphous silicon substrate, and a substantially intrinsic i-type amorphous silicon layer disposed between the n-type single-crystal silicon substrate and the p-type amorphous silicon layer. The i-type amorphous silicon layer includes: a first section which is located on the n-type single-crystal silicon substrate side, and which has an oxygen concentration equal to or below 1020 cm?3; and a second section which is located on the p-type amorphous silicon layer side, and which has an oxygen concentration equal to or above 1020 cm?3.

Abstract: A strain-balanced photodetector is provided for detecting infrared light at an extended cutoff wavelength in the range of 4.5 ?m or more. An InAsSb absorber layer has an Sb content is grown in a lattice-mismatched condition to a GaSb substrate, and a plurality of GaAs strain-compensating layers are interspersed within the absorber layer to balance the strain of the absorber layer due to the lattice mismatch. The strain-compensation layers allow the absorber to achieve a thickness exhibiting sufficient absorption efficiency while extending the cutoff wavelength beyond that possible in a lattice-matched state. Additionally, the strain-compensation layers are sufficiently thin to be substantially quantum-mechanically transparent such that they do not substantially affect the transmission efficiency of the absorber. The photodetector is preferably formed as a majority carrier filter photodetector exhibiting minimal dark current, and may be provided individually or in a focal plane array.

Abstract: A silicon photon detector device and methodology are provided for detecting incident photons in a partially depleted floating body SOI field-effect transistor (310) which traps charges created by visible and mid infrared light in a floating body region (304) when the silicon photon detector is configured in a detect mode, and then measures or reads the resulting enhanced drain current with a current detector in a read mode.

Abstract: This invention includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by depositing a precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry onto the substrate and converting the deposited precursor into a photovoltaic absorber material. This invention further includes processes for making a photovoltaic absorber layer having a predetermined stoichiometry on a substrate by (a) providing a polymeric precursor having the predetermined stoichiometry; (b) providing a substrate; (c) depositing the precursor onto the substrate; and (d) heating the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a thin film solar cell including introducing a reaction solution into a reaction chamber, fixing a supporter onto a loader, disposing the loader in the reaction chamber to immerse the supporter into the reaction solution, and heating the supporter and coating a buffer layer. In addition, an apparatus of fabricating a thin film solar cell including a reaction chamber mounted with an inlet of a reaction solution and an outlet of waste water, and a loader disposed in the reaction chamber and being capable of moving up and down, is disclosed.

Abstract: A solar cell structure and a method for fabricating the solar cell structure is provided, where the cell structure includes a plurality of solar cells, wherein each of the solar cells is separated from each adjacent solar cell via at least one of a tunnel junction or a resonant tunneling structure interface, wherein each of the plurality of solar cells is at least partially constructed from a semiconductor material, wherein the semiconductor material has an energy band gap that harnesses photons having energies in a predetermined energy range which is responsive to its energy gap, and wherein each of the plurality of solar cells includes at least one of a p-n junction, an n-p junction, or a Schottky interface, and wherein each of the plurality of solar cells is configured to harness energies in a different solar spectral energy range than the other of the plurality of solar cells.

Abstract: An arrangement of a cathode electrode for plasma CVD forms a radio frequency capacity coupled plasma by applying radio frequency radiation, in which the cathode electrode is disposed so as to face an anode electrode. The facing surface which faces the anode electrode is formed to have a concavo-convex shape comprising concaves constituted by a bottom surface and convexes constituted by a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the anode electrode from the bottom surface constituting the concaves. At least one of the protrusions forming the convexes has at least one reactive gas ejection nozzle on a side surface, which is capable of ejecting a reactive gas. An ejection direction of the reactive gas from the reactive gas ejection nozzle is substantially parallel to the bottom surface constituting the concaves. The optimization of the cathode electrode allows generation of dense plasma.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for doped diamond solar cells are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device can include a second metal layer adjacent to a first layer, where the first layer is positioned adjacent to a substrate, and where the second metal layer includes a dopant; and a copper-indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) layer adjacent to the second metal layer.

Abstract: A treatment object containing any one of Cu/Ga, Cu/In and Cu—Ga/In is held in a heated state at a temperature T1 for a time ?t1 in such a state that a selenium source is introduced, thereby forming a selenide. Thereafter, a sulfur source is introduced to replace the atmosphere in the system with a sulfur atmosphere. In this state, the treatment object is held in a heated state at a temperature T2 for a time ?t2. The temperature of the treatment object is then decreased to T3, and, at that temperature, the treatment object is held in a heated state for a time ?t3.

Abstract: A high-efficiency solar cell device of the present invention comprising an active layer composed of a p-i-n form polymer-quantum dot composite having a consolidated core/shell structure which is formed by heating a coating layer of a solution of an organic-inorganic mixture of a p-type organic polymer, an n-type organic compound, and a semiconductor quantum dot dissolved in an organic solvent is capable of overcoming the shortcoming of the conventional solar cell devices having a multi-layered thin film structure.

Abstract: Solar cells and methods for manufacturing solar cells are disclosed. An example solar cell may include a substrate, which in some cases may act as an electrode, a nano-pillar array coupled relative to the substrate, an active layer provided on the nano-pillar array, and an electrode electrically coupled to the active layer. In some cases, the active layer may include a photoactive polymer.

Abstract: The infrared photodetector includes a contact layer formed over a semiconductor substrate 10, a quantum dot stack 24 formed on the contact layer 12 and including intermediate layers 22 and quantum dots 20 which are alternately stacked, and a contact layer 26 formed on the quantum dot stack 24. One of the plurality of intermediate layers, which is in contact with the contact layer, has an n-type impurity doped region 16 formed on a side nearer the interface with the contact layer 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a radiation detector comprising a photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4), a scintillator (6) that converts the radiation into radiation to which the photosensitive sensor assembly (1, 4) is sensitive, the scintillator (6) being fastened by adhesive bonding to the sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising a substrate (4) and several attached sensors (1), the sensors (1) each having two faces (11, 12), a first face (11) of which is bonded to the substrate (4) and a second face (12) of which is bonded to the scintillator (6). The method consists in linking the following operations: the sensors (1) are deposited via their second face (12) on an adhesive film (13); and the sensors (1) are bonded via their first face (11) to the substrate (4).

Abstract: A photovoltaic element (110) for converting electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy is provided, which has a tandem cell structure.

Abstract: A photoconductive device (2) comprises a plurality of photoconductive layers (6, 8, 10, 12), each photoconductive layer comprising photoconductive material (4) and a respective plurality of electrodes (16, 18), wherein the photoconductive layers (6, 8, 10, 12) are electrically connected together.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell including a Group IBIIIAVIA absorber layer on a defect free base including a stainless steel substrate is provided. The stainless steel substrate of the base is surface treated to remove the surface roughness such as protrusions that cause shunts. Before removing the protrusions, a thin protective ruthenium film is first deposited on the recessed surface portions of the substrate to protect these portions during the following protrusion removal. The protrusions on the surface receives very little or no ruthenium during the deposition. After the ruthenium film is formed, the protrusions are etched and removed by an etchant which only attacks the stainless steel but neutral to the ruthenium film. A contact layer is formed over the ruthenium layer and the exposed portions of the substrate to complete the base.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a solution-based process for producing useful materials, such as semiconductor materials. One disclosed embodiment comprises providing at least a first reactant and a second reactant in solution and applying the solution to a substrate. The as-deposited material is thermally annealed to form desired compounds. Thermal annealing may be conducted under vacuum; under an inert atmosphere; or under a reducing environment. The method may involve using metal and chalcogen precursor compounds. One example of a metal precursor compound is a metal halide. Examples of suitable chalcogen precursor compounds include a chalcogen powder, a chalcogen halide, a chalcogen oxide, a chalcogen urea, a chalcogen or dichalcogen comprising organic ligands, or combinations thereof. Certain disclosed embodiments concern a method for making a solar cell from I-III-VI semiconductors.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate, a first electrode located over the substrate, where the first electrode comprises a first transition metal layer, at least one p-type semiconductor absorber layer located over the first electrode, an n-type semiconductor layer located over the p-type semiconductor absorber layer, and a second electrode located over the n-type semiconductor layer. The first transition metal layer contains (i) an alkali element or an alkali compound and (ii) a lattice distortion element or a lattice distortion compound. The p-type semiconductor absorber layer includes a copper indium selenide (CIS) based alloy material.