Abstract: A workpiece handling system includes a process chamber configured to support a workpiece for ion implantation, a first mask stored outside the process chamber in a mask station, and a robot system configured to retrieve the first mask from the mask station, and position the first mask upstream of the workpiece so the workpiece receives a first selective implant through the first mask. A method includes storing a first mask outside a process chamber in a mask station, retrieving the first mask from the mask station, positioning the first mask upstream of a workpiece positioned in the process chamber for ion implantation, and performing a first selective implant through the first mask.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved anti-reflective coatings. Non-vacuum deposition of transparent conductive electrodes in a roll-to-roll manufacturing environment is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a device is provided comprising a multi-layer anti-reflective coating formed over a substantially transparent substrate; wherein the multi-layer anti-reflective coating comprises of a plurality of nanostructured layers, wherein each of the layers has a tuned porosity and at least some of the nanostructured layers have different porosities to create a different index of refraction for those layers. In some embodiments, the absorber layer for use with this anti-reflective layer is a group IB-IIIA-VIA absorber layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region and forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region of the transparent substrate. The first electrode layer has an electrode surface region. In a specific embodiment, the method includes masking one or more portions of the electrode surface region using a masking layer to form an exposed region and a blocked region. The method includes forming an absorber layer comprising a sulfur entity overlying the exposed region and removing the mask layer. In a specific embodiment, the method causing formation of a plurality of metal disulfide species overlying the blocked region. In a specific embodiment, the metal disulfide species has a semiconductor characteristic. The method includes subjecting the plurality of metal disulfide species to electromagnetic radiation from a laser beam to substantially remove the metal disulfide species.

Abstract: A method for fabricating electronic devices includes the steps of 1) printing a multi-layer electronic device on a silicone-based hard coating on a substrate, and 2) removing the device from the substrate. The silicone-based hard coating is an Cabrasion resistant coating with hardness ranging from 1 to 10 gigaPascals.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The electrochemical cell comprises: a first conductive layer; a metal oxide layer provided on the first conductive layer, the metal oxide layer comprising a plurality of adjacent metal oxide cells, spaced from one another; a functional dye layer provided on the metal oxide layer; a second conductive layer; an electrolyte layer provided between the functional dye layer and the second conductive layer, wherein at least one of the first and second conductive layers is transparent; and wherein the functional dye layer is formed from an organic solvent ink.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer molecular film, a photo-electronic element comprising the same and method for manufacturing the same. The polymer molecular film of the invention is formed via a deformation process on a substrate. Particularly, the polymer molecular film includes a plurality of conjugated polymers, therein at least one of the conjugated polymers has a stretched molecular structure. As a result, the photo-electronic element having said polymer molecular film performs with good lighting or power generating efficiency.

Abstract: A solar cell extrusion printing system includes a printhead assembly having one or more elongated valve structures that are adjustably disposed adjacent to the outlet orifices of selected nozzle channels, and a valve control device for controlling the position of the valve structures to facilitate controllable ink flow through selected nozzle channels of the printhead assembly during the gridline printing process. The printhead assembly defines an elongated opening (e.g., a slot or hole) that that intersects (i.e., passes through) each of the selected nozzle channels, and an elongated member is movably disposed in the slot and is selectively movable between a first (opened) position, in which the valve structure extrusion material is passed by the valve structure through the nozzle channel and out of the printhead, and a closed position, in which the extrusion material is blocked by the valve structure and prevented from passing through the nozzle channel.

Abstract: Methods of promoting adhesion between a reflective backing layer and a solar cell substrate are provided. The reflective backing layer is formed over a conductive metal oxide layer as an alloy using reflective and adhesive components, the adhesive components being present in levels generally below about 5 atomic percent. Techniques are disclosed for depositing varying the concentration of the reflective backing layer to localize the adhesive components in an adhesion region near the conductive metal oxide layer. Techniques are also disclosed for boosting bonding species in the conductive metal oxide layer to further enhance adhesion.

Abstract: Inline methods for forming a photovoltaic cell electrode structure, wherein the photovoltaic cell includes a semiconductor substrate having a passivation layer thereon, includes providing a plurality of contact openings through the passivation layer to the semiconductor substrate, selectively plating a contact metal into the plurality of contact openings by printing electroless plating solution into the plurality of contact openings to deposit the contact metal, depositing a metal containing material on the deposited contact metal, and firing the deposited contact metal and the deposited metal containing material. The metal containing material may include a paste containing a silver or silver alloy along with a glass frit and is substantially free to completely free of lead. The methods may also use light activation of the passivation layer or use seed layers to assist in the plating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a back electrode of a silicon bulk solar cell is provided, which includes depositing a passivation layer on a back of a silicon substrate, and then coating a first metal paste on the passivation layer. Thereafter, a first sintering is performed at a high temperature, such that the first metal paste penetrates the passivation layer, joints to the silicon substrate, and diffuses into the back of the silicon substrate. Afterward, a second metal paste is coated on the back of the silicon substrate, and then a second sintering is performed at a low temperature to cure the second metal paste without penetrating the passivation layer, so as to finish the back electrode structure. Therefore, this method can reduce the manufacturing cost and simplify the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A composition for electrode formation containing metal nanoparticles dispersed in a dispersion medium, wherein the composition also comprises one or more organic polymers selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinylpyrrolidone copolymers, polyvinyl alcohols, and cellulose ethers.

Abstract: Highly sensitive Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) sensors are described in the form of a optical resonator and a metal nanostructure deposited on surface of the optical resonator. In one embodiment the optical resonator is in the form of a photonic crystal, but other optical resonators are contemplated. Examples are described in which the resonant near-fields of a large-area replica molded photonic crystal efficiently couples light from a laser to dielectric-metal “post-cap” nanostructures deposited on the photonic crystal surface by a glancing angle evaporation technique, achieving a high SERS enhancement factor. Other constructions are also contemplated a metal nanostructure formed on a dielectric support deposited on the photonic crystal, including a metallic film deposited over close-packed surface of nanospheres, arrays of metallic nanotriangles, metallic nanorods, metallic nanohelices, arrays of metallic nanospheres, and roughened metal surfaces.

Abstract: A camera module (1) is an assembly of a lens holder (4) and a wiring board (2). The lens holder (4) holds an optical structure (3) which forms an image of a subject. The wiring board (2) has formed thereon a solid-state image sensing element (21) which converts the image of the subject formed by the optical structure (3) to electrical signals. Grease (7) is applied to the camera module (1) in such a manner that the grease is not present in an optical path in the optical structure (3). The grease (7) catches the dust (D) produced during manufacture and while in use, thereby prevented the dust (D) from causing image defects. A solid-state image sensing device is thus provided which is capable of preventing the dust produced during manufacture and while in use from causing image defects.

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

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal device provided with a liquid crystal layer held between a pair of substrates opposed to each other, and an oriented film disposed between at least one of the substrates and the liquid crystal layer, includes: (a) providing an inorganic oriented film to the one of the substrates; (b) forming a first organic film with a first silane-coupling agent, the first organic film randomly covering a surface of the inorganic oriented film with a predetermined coverage factor smaller than 1; and (c) forming, after step (b), a second organic film with a second silane-coupling agent having a carbon number different from a carbon number of the first silane-coupling agent, the second organic film covering the surface exposed from the first organic film, thereby forming the oriented film composed mainly of the first organic film, the second organic film, and the inorganic film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured, electrically-conductive surfaces (3, 11) on an electrically nonconductive support (1), in which the structured and/or full-area electrically-conductive surfaces (3) of a first plane are applied onto the support (1) in a first step, an insulating layer (9) is applied in a second step at the positions where structured and/or full-area electrically-conductive surfaces (11) of a second plane cross the structured and/or full-area electrically-conductive surfaces (3) of the first plane and no electrical contact is intended to take place between the structured and/or full-area electrically-conductive surfaces of the first plane (3) and of the second plane (11), in a third step the structured and/or full-area electrically-conductive surfaces (11) of the second plane are applied according to the first step, and the second and third steps are optionally repeated.

Abstract: Described is a component with a sharp-edgedly structured layer comprising at least one highly fluid low-viscosity medium (20) having a given solids content on a carrier substrate (10), wherein a boundary layer (14) defining the outside contour of the structured layer is provided on the carrier substrate (10) and the at least one low-viscosity highly fluid medium (20) is provided at the inside surface (18) of the carrier substrate (10), which inside surface is defined by the boundary layer (14).

Abstract: When forming an electrode by printing several times, the cross section area of the electrode is increased and the resistance is reduced while more electrode material is required, which leads to a cost up and waste of resources. There is provided a solar cell manufacturing method for forming an electrode of a predetermined pattern by repeating printing on a substrate surface by a predetermined number of times. A mask pattern for printing the entire predetermined pattern is used at least once among the predetermined number of printings while mask patterns, each for printing a part of the predetermined pattern, are used in the other printings, thereby forming the electrode of the predetermined pattern.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide methodologies for generating structures of filamentous carbon (or carbon filaments) with controlled geometries. In one exemplary embodiment of forming the carbon filament structure, a metal template can be exposed to a fuel rich gaseous mixture to form a carbon filament structure at an appropriate gas flow and/or at an appropriate temperature on the metal template. The metal template can have one or more metal surfaces with controlled geometries. Carbon filament structures can then be grown on the metal surfaces having corresponding geometries (or shapes) in the growth direction. The carbon filament structure can be two or three dimensional and can have high density. In various embodiments, the metal template can be removed to leave a self-supporting carbon filament structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thin-film type solar cell including another upper transparent conductive layer between a silicon semiconductor layer and an upper transparent conductive layer, and a manufacturing method thereof. At this time, the silicon based semiconductor layer used may be formed of at least one amorphous silicon based (p/i/n) thin film or may be formed as a tandem type silicon based semiconductor layer formed of the amorphous silicon based (p/i/n) thin film, an intermediate transparent conductive layer, and a microcrystalline silicon based thin film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light emitting compounds, especially to triplett emitters suitable for electrooptical applications. Compounds according to the invention are organometallic complexes of a metal, preferably Ir, having a backbone of one five-membered ring that is linked to a five- or six-membered ring, by an intermediate six-membered ring. These compounds are suitable for adaptation to the emission of light in the UV to NIR range by adaptation of atoms or groups within at least one of the five-membered or six-membered ring structures.

Abstract: The invention teaches novel structure and methods for producing electrical current collectors and electrical interconnection structure. Such articles find particular use in facile production of modular arrays of photovoltaic cells. The current collector and interconnecting structures may be initially produced separately from the photovoltaic cells thereby allowing the use of unique materials and manufacture. Subsequent combination of the structures with photovoltaic cells allows facile and efficient completion of modular arrays. Methods for combining the collector and interconnection structures with cells and final interconnecting into modular arrays are taught.

Abstract: A method of producing a textile article having a localised finish is described. The method comprises providing a continuous supply of a textile substrate, providing an array of digital nozzles, supplying a finishing composition to the nozzles and selectively depositing the finishing composition from the nozzles in a series of droplets to deposit a first predetermined pattern of droplets on a selected area of the substrate to endow a functional characteristic on the selected areas. In this way, it is possible to ensure that only those areas receive the finishing composition that ultimately require it. Usage of valuable chemicals and process time can hereby be reduced.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell has a photosensitive substrate and a plurality of fingers in ohmic contact with the substrate. At least one of the fingers has an average width of less than about 95 microns. The cell also has a plurality of busbars in ohmic contact with the fingers. At least two of the busbars that are spaced less than about 38 millimeters apart intersect the at least one finger (i.e., the finger(s) having an average width of less than about 95 microns).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for depositing multiple lines on an object, specifically contact and busbar metallization lines on a solar cell. The contact lines are preferably less than 100 microns wide, and all contact lines are preferably deposited in a single pass of the deposition head. There can be multiple rows of nozzles on the deposition head. Multiple materials can be deposited, on top of one another, forming layered structures on the object. Each layer can be less than five microns thick. Alignment of such layers is preferably accomplished without having to deposit oversized alignment features. Multiple atomizers can be used to deposit the multiple materials. The busbar apparatus preferably has multiple nozzles, each of which is sufficiently wide to deposit a busbar in a single pass.

Abstract: The tin-free air side of each of float-processed soda-lime float glass substrates is quickly and accurately distinguished, and the substrates are arranged, with the air sides facing upward. CIS based thin-film photo voltaic devices are formed on the air sides to improve conversion efficiency and yield and reduce production cost. A surface of a glass substrate is irradiated with ultra violet lights. When fluorescence occurs, this side is judged to be the tin-containing float side B (P1) and a tin containment mark is put thereon (P2). When the upper side is the air side A not bearing a tin containment mark, this substrate is subjected as it is to a cleaning/drying step and to the formation of a CIS based thin-film photo voltaic device on the air side A. When the upper side is the float side B, this substrate is turned over (P3) and then subjected to a cleaning/drying step (P4) and to the formation of a CIS based thin-film photo voltaic device on the upper side, i.e., the air side A (P5).

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a source unit configured to supply a deposition material to a substrate, a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate to receive the deposition material, a shadow mask comprising a frame that includes two opposing arms; and a crossbar configured to be mounted to the two opposing arms. The frame and the crossbar define a plurality of openings that allow the deposition material supplied by the source unit to be deposited on the substrate. A transport mechanism can produce relative movement between the shadow mask and the substrate.

Abstract: A method of transferring organic material from a donor element to a substrate includes providing a radiation source; and selecting the power of the radiation applied to the donor element by the radiation source to cause the transfer of organic material to the substrate wherein the time that one or more positions of the donor element receives radiation is greater than 1 millisecond.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the rapid and parallel synthesis of optoelectronic cell devices and for the high-throughput screening of such devices for useful properties are disclosed. The methods comprise the parallel synthesis of arrays of optoelectronic devices fabricated within an addressable sample-holding matrix. Each optoelectronic device is created and tested within an addressable sample-holder in the fabrication device.

Abstract: A silane composition for preparing a semiconductor thin films of a solar cell is disclosed. The silane composition contains a polysilane compound represented by the formula SinRm (n is an integer of 3 or more, m is an integer of n to (2n+2) and an m number of R's are each independently a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, phenyl group or halogen atom, with the proviso that when all the m number of R's are hydrogen atoms and m=2n, n is an integer of 7 or more), and at least one silane compound selected from cyclopentasilane, cyclohexasilane and silylcyclopentasilane.

Abstract: A gas phase species (such as ozone, H2O2, or N2O) is photodissociated with ultraviolet light into a reactive species that is patternwise directed (e.g., through a mask) onto a surface of a material, such as an organosilicate. The reactive species reacts with the material to form a polar oxidation product such as —OH, thereby resulting in discrete hydrophilic regions separated from each other by hydrophobic regions. The degree of hydrophilicity of the discrete regions may be tailored by controlling the concentration of the reactive species, the ultraviolet light intensity, the temperature to which the material is heated, and exposure time. End products made with the methods are suitable for use in a biomolecular array.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electron beam apparatus having an airtight container with electron-emitting devices contained therein and spacers provided in the airtight container comprising the coating step of providing a film on a spacer substrate to be the spacers, and characterized in that the coating step includes the applying step of applying liquid film material by emitting from an emitting portion in a predetermined direction to a part of a surface of the spacer substrate facing the emitting portion.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate and a method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device using the laminate are provided. The laminate forming method includes a first step of forming an intermediate layer on a base member, and a second step of forming a metal layer on the intermediate layer, the adhesion of the metal layer to the base member being lower than that of the intermediate layer, the reflectance of the metal layer being higher than that of the intermediate layer. The rate of formation of the metal layer is increased at an intermediate stage in the second step. The laminate thereby formed has improved characteristics and is capable of maintaining improved reflection characteristics and adhesion even under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions or during long-term use.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electro-optical device deposited with an insulating film or alignment layer on the surface of a substrate, the method is characterized by including the step of irradiating ultraviolet radiation onto the surface of the substrate (an ultraviolet radiation irradiating step) and the step of depositing the insulating film or alignment layer on the surface of the substrate irradiated with the ultraviolet radiation (an insulating material coating step or alignment layer coating step).

Abstract: A phosphorescent coating system and a method of providing the coating system on a substrate are disclosed. The method includes applying a color-providing composition, such as a pigmented basecoat composition, and applying a clearcoat composition. After application and cure, the color-providing composition forms a color-providing film layer, and the clearcoat composition forms a clearcoat film layer. The color-providing composition and the clearcoat composition are cross-linkable. Either one, or both, of the color-providing composition and the clearcoat composition include phosphorescent pigment. The color-providing composition is applied to the substrate to form an uncured film layer of the color-providing composition. Next, the clearcoat composition is applied wet-on-wet to the uncured film layer of the color-providing composition such that an uncured film layer of the clearcoat composition is formed on the uncured film layer of the color-providing composition.

Abstract: An apparatus to align the deposition of scintillator material on a radiation detector array includes a cover mask assembly configured to be positively positioned on a detector array and underlying pallet assembly to provide proper alignment of the mask with the array so that the active portion of the detector array may be coated with scintillator material without having the scintillator material on the adhesive and electrical contact portion of the detector array. An adhesive rim is disposed around the periphery of the active portion of the array and sized to provide the desired precise alignment of the mask over the detector array and form a seal with the array substrate and the pallet assembly to prevent migration of the scintillator material beyond the active area to be coated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods of contact printing of patterned, self-assembling monolayers of alkanethiolates, carboxylic acids, hydroxamic acids, and phosphonic acids on metallized thermoplastic films, the compositions produced thereby, and the use of these compositions. Patterned self-assembling monolayers allow for the controlled placement of fluids thereon which contain a chemically reactive, indicator functionality. The optical sensing devices produced thereby when the film is exposed to an analyte and light, can produce optical diffraction patterns which differ depending on the reaction of the self-assembling monolayer with the analyte of interest. The light can be in the visible spectrum, and be either reflected from the film, or transmitted through it, and the analyte can be any compound reacting with the fluid on the self-assembling monolayer. The present invention also provides a flexible support for a self-assembling monolayer on gold or another suitable metal.

Abstract: A method for forming a conductively coated matrix structure for separating rows and columns of sub-pixels on the faceplate of a flat panel display device. In one embodiment, the present invention deposits a photoresistive material over the interior surface of a faceplate having a non-conductive matrix structure formed thereon. The photoresistive material is deposited into sub-pixel regions separated by the matrix structure. The photoresistive material is dried and exposed in the sub-pixel regions. After unexposed photoresistive material is removed, a layer of aluminum is evaporated over the interior surface of the faceplate such that the matrix structure and the exposed layer of photoresistive material in the sub-pixel regions is coated with a conductive layer of aluminum. Next, the present invention applies an etchant to the exposed photoresistive material disposed in the sub-pixel regions.

Abstract: Solar cells made of crystalline are metal coated. Combined front side and rear side metal coating based on a thick-film process is proposed, in which even very fine thick-film conductor track structures are sufficiently reinforced by photo-induced currentless deposition of a metal. Well adhering improved conductor track structures for the front side metal coating can be produced using the simplified process.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coating method for a substrate having an end region comprising: (a) rubbing a nonwetting material across the end region to adhere the nonwetting material to the end region; and (b) contacting a portion of the substrate including the end region with a coating composition, whereby the coating composition adheres to the substrate surface free of the nonwetting material and the nonwetting material minimizes adherence of the coating composition to the end region.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of a photoelectrochemical cell and a cell made by this method. A disadvantage of such cells (1) is the fact that their efficiency is not sufficient for economic use. It is therefore the aim of the invention to avoid this disadvantage. The method according to the invention makes it possible to produce a photoelectrochemical cell (1) comprising a porous electrode (4), the effective surface of which is by a factor 700 greater than that of electrodes of comparable size.

Abstract: A method for sensitizing lead salt infrared detectors includes the step of making a photomask for depositing a lead salt material on a substrate for forming a plurality of detectors in which each detector is electrically coupled in series to at least one other detector on the substrate. A lead salt material, such as lead sulfide or lead selenide, is deposited onto the substrate through the photomask to form a plurality of lead salt detectors connected in series on a substrate. A monitor is connected across a series of interconnecting detectors on the substrate and the substrate is immersed in a heated chemically inert liquid, such as a fluorocarbon liquid, for a predetermined time period to sensitize the lead salt detectors on the substrate while simultaneously monitoring the detectors across the substrate in the heated liquid. The monitor produces an average reading of the resistance for each detector on the substrate to determine when to remove the detectors from the heated liquid.

Abstract: Process for the storage of information in an organic recording layer which, as the result of local treatment of its surface with an organic solvent in accordance with the shape of the information to be marked can alter its absorption spectrum and/or its photoconductivity in such a way that information is produced and stored respectively at the treated areas of this layer. The information thus stored can be read off visually, by means of a micro-reader or by means of an incorporated electrode system.

Abstract: The invention generally is accomplished by a casting of a liquid metallo-organic ceramic precursor solution to form a layer on a substrate. This layer is then heated to a low temperature to create an amorphous layer. Then a selected area is heated to a high temperature by localized heating to create a patterned area of polycrystalline ceramic having electro-optic properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a manufacturing process of a photocathode for an image intensifier tube.According to this process, the photocathode is made within the tube by depositing a photoelectric material on a conductive substrate by vacuum evaporation. During this operation, the optical transparency of the deposit is checked by illumination of this deposit by a light source. According to the invention, this light source is located within the tube and is protected from the vapors of the photoelectric material. In the prior art, this light source was located outside the tube and the illumination of the deposit was not sufficient.The invention has applications in the field of image intensifier tubes.

Abstract: A process for preparing a photoelectric conversion film containing one or more compound semiconductor made from Cd and group Vi element comprises coating a paste containing (a) a photoelectric conversion material, (b) a dopant, (c) a flux, (d) an organic binder, and optionally (e) a glass frit on a substrate, and sintering it at 300.degree. C.-800.degree. C. in an inert gas blanket.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing metal contacts on a body of a mercury-cadmium-telluride alloy comprising depositing a layer of a rare earth element such as samarium or ytterbium on the surface of the alloy prior to depositing an overlayer of a contact metal such as aluminum on the layer of the rare earth element.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film is formed on a glass substrate covering substantially its entire surface area and this transparent conductive film is divided into a plurality of transparent conductive parts per each photoelectric converting region. The photoelectric converting region is of a nearly rectangular shape, and accordingly, in order to divide the transparent conductive film into respective transparent conductive film parts, a laser beam is irradiated along all longitudinal and lateral sides of the rectangle. Thereby, the transparent conductive film parts corresponding to the photoelectric converting regions are formed as island regions. Semiconductor film parts are formed on the transparent conductive film parts divided into island regions corresponding to respective photoelectric converting regions and subsequently aluminum film parts are formed on these semiconductor film parts.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a periodically multilayered film having a plurality of amorphous thin layers of different kinds stacked periodically is performed by forming at least one kind of the layers in the stack by a photo CVD method, whereby a more definite periodicity in the composition of the lattice and fewer defects are achieved.

Abstract: An antireflective coating and a process for producing the same are described. This antireflective coating has the difference in refractive index between the glass interface and the outer surface of the antireflected coating of 0.15 or less. This antireflective coating can be formed by treating a glass with an aqueous solution containing specified amounts of an acidic salt, Al.sup.3+ and Si.sup.4+. The antireflective coating has a high mechanical strength and optical elements having such an antireflective coating are useful for use in the laser nuclear fusion system.