Including Integrally Formed Optical Element (e.g., Reflective Layer, Luminescent Layer, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/69)
  • Patent number: 8247688
    Abstract: In various embodiments, fiber photovoltaic devices are described in the present disclosure. The fiber photovoltaic devices include an optical filament, a first electrode coating the optical filament, a continuous semiconductive layer deposited above the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer deposited above the continuous semiconductive layer. The first electrode layer is at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation. The continuous semiconductive layer is in electrical contact with the first electrode layer. The continuous semiconductive layer absorbs electromagnetic radiation and turns the electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal. The continuous semiconductive layer includes at least two semiconductive materials that are substantially unmixed and are located in separate regions along the longitudinal axis of the fiber photovoltaic device. The second electrode layer is in electrical contact with the continuous semiconductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Seamus Curran
  • Patent number: 8247248
    Abstract: A method for forming a layer of phosphor material on an LED encapsulant structure includes forming a layer of a phosphor material on a first surface, disposing the first surface to cause the phosphor material to be in contact with a surface of the LED encapsulant structure, applying a pressure between the first surface and the surface of the LED encapsulant structure, and causing the layer of the phosphor material to be attached to the LED encapsulant structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Achrolux Inc.
    Inventor: Peiching Ling
  • Patent number: 8247837
    Abstract: The invention discloses a light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the light-emitting diode includes a substrate, a first doping type semiconductor layer, a second doping type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and plural laminated structures. The first doping type semiconductor layer, the light-emitting layer and the second doping type semiconductor layer are formed on the substrate in sequence. The plural laminated structures are formed on the top surface of the second doping type semiconductor layer such that the top surface is partially exposed. Each laminated structure consists of plural transparent insulating layers which have their respective refractive indices. Additionally, each of the laminated structures is formed in a way of upwardly stacking the transparent insulating layers in sequence with the refractive indices of the transparent insulating layers decreasing gradually, so as to enhance the light-extraction efficiency and the lighting efficiency of the light-emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Huga Optotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Hui Lin, Sheng-Hsien Hsu, Jing-Jie Dai, Tzong Liang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120205767
    Abstract: A plasmonic detector and method for manufacturing a plasmonic detector. The plasmonic detector comprises two nanoscale metallic rods coupled to a bias voltage; a nanoscale cavity formed between adjacent ends of the two nanoscale metallic rods; and an absorption material disposed in the nanoscale cavity for converting an electromagnetic field to an electric current for outputting via the nanoscale metallic rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Ping Bai, Mingxia Gu, Erping Li
  • Publication number: 20120205683
    Abstract: A substrate-free semiconducting sheet has an array of semiconducting elements dispersed in a matrix material. The matrix material is bonded to the edge surfaces of the semiconducting elements and the substrate-free semiconducting sheet is substantially the same thickness as the semiconducting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Karl W. Beeson, Scott M. Zimmerman, William R. Livesay, Richard L. Ross
  • Patent number: 8242353
    Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate layer and a plurality of nanowires grown outwardly from the substrate layer, at least two of the nanowires including a plurality of sub-cells. The solar cell also includes one or more light guiding layers formed of a transparent, light scattering material and filling the area between the plurality of nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Siegfried F. Karg
  • Patent number: 8241925
    Abstract: One or more heating elements are disposed on a semiconductor substrate proximate a temperature sensitive circuit disposed on the substrate (e.g., bandgap circuit, oscillator). The heater element(s) can be controlled to heat the substrate and elevate the temperature of the circuit to one or more temperature points. One or more temperature measurements can be made at each of the one or more temperature points for calibrating one or more reference values of the circuit (e.g., bandgap voltage).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Atmel Corporation
    Inventor: Terje Saether
  • Publication number: 20120202310
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid-state image pickup device that includes a substrate including a photoelectric conversion unit and a waveguide arranged on the substrate, the waveguide corresponding to the photoelectric conversion unit and including a core and a cladding, includes a first step and a second step, in which in the first step and the second step, a member to be formed into the core is formed in an opening in the cladding by high-density plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and in which after the first step, in the second step, the member to be formed into the core is formed by the high-density plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition under conditions in which the ratio of a radio-frequency power on the back face side of the substrate to a radio-frequency power on the front face side of the substrate is higher than that in the first step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Sawayama, Hiroshi Ikakura, Takaharu Kondo, Toru Eto
  • Publication number: 20120202309
    Abstract: The method includes a step of forming a mask having an opening, for forming an opening in multiple insulating films, above a semiconductor substrate on which a member becoming a first insulating film, a member becoming a second insulating film being different from the member becoming the first insulating film, a member becoming a third insulating film, and a member becoming a fourth insulating film being different from the member becoming the third insulating film are stacked in this order; a first step of continuously removing the member becoming the fourth insulating film and the member becoming the third insulating film at a portion corresponding to the opening of the mask; and a second step of removing the member becoming the second insulating film, after the first step, at a portion corresponding to the opening of the mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaharu Kondo, Takashi Usui
  • Publication number: 20120199188
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to photovoltaic devices and more specifically, to metallic contacts disposed on photovoltaic devices and to the fabrication processes for forming such metallic contacts. In one aspect, a method for contact patterning on a photovoltaic device includes providing a semiconductor structure that includes a front contact layer and a window layer underneath the front contact layer, where the window layer also acts as an etch stop layer. At least one metal layer is deposited on the front contact layer, and a resist is applied on portions of the at least one metal layer. The at least one metal layer and the front contact layer are etched through to achieve the desired metallization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Alta Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui NIE, Brendan M. Kayes, Isik C. Kizilyalli
  • Patent number: 8236586
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a light emitting device includes forming a plurality of light emitting elements on light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, of a substrate, forming lens supports on the light emitting element mounting regions, respectively, are raised relative to isolation regions of the substrate located between neighboring ones of the light emitting element mounting regions, and forming lenses covering the light emitting elements on the lens support patterns, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8236597
    Abstract: A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer is formed overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species to form a bulk copper indium disulfide material. The bulk copper indium disulfide material comprises one or more portions of copper indium disulfide material and a surface region characterized by a copper poor surface having a copper-to-indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Stion Corporation
    Inventor: Howard W. H. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120194819
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for methods and systems for sensing or imaging. The apparatus includes a stack of a plurality of thin films, such as polymer thin films. The stack has a substantially imaginary total reflectance coefficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
    Inventor: Manoj Varma
  • Patent number: 8232132
    Abstract: An image sensor pixel includes a photo-sensor region, a microlens, a first color filter layer, and a second color filter layer. The photo-sensor region is disposed within a semiconductor die. The microlens is disposed on the semiconductor die in optical alignment with the photo-sensor region. The first color filter layer is disposed between the photo-sensor region and the microlens. The second color filter layer is disposed on an opposite side of the microlens as the first color filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: OmniVision Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Satyadev Nagaraja, Vincent Venezia
  • Patent number: 8232116
    Abstract: A light-emissive device is prepared by depositing a polymer layer on a substrate. The deposition process utilizes a formulation comprising a conjugated polymer dissolved in a solvent, the solvent including a trialkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon wherein at least two of the alkyl substituents are ortho to one another. The deposition of the polymer layer on the substrate may be accomplished by an ink-jet method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cambridge Display Technology Limited
    Inventors: Ilaria Lavina Grizzi, Peter John Lyon
  • Publication number: 20120186623
    Abstract: A transparent photovoltaic cell and method of making are disclosed. The photovoltaic cell may include a transparent substrate and a first active material overlying the substrate. The first active material may have a first absorption peak at a wavelength greater than about 650 nanometers. A second active material is disposed overlying the substrate, the second active material having a second absorption peak at a wavelength outside of the visible light spectrum. The photovoltaic cell may also include a transparent cathode and a transparent anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Vladimir Bulovic, Richard Royal Lunt
  • Publication number: 20120188421
    Abstract: An imaging system may include an array of lenses, each of which is aligned over a respective one of a plurality of imaging pixels. The array of lenses may be formed in two layers. The first layer may include a first set of non-adjacent lenses and centering structures between the first lenses. The centering structures may be aligned with the first set of lenses as part of a mask design with a high level of accuracy. The second layer may include a second set of lenses, each of which is formed on a respective one of the centering structures. Forming the second set of lenses may include a reflow process in which surface tension forces center the second set of lenses on their respective centering structures, thereby aligning the second set of lenses with the first set of lenses with a high level of accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Ulrich Boettiger
  • Publication number: 20120186651
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for collecting solar energy may include a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOEs) associated with a photovoltaic (PV) cell. Material layers containing HOEs may be attached to directly to a surface of a PV cell or attached to the surface of the module that houses a PV cell. The HOEs alter the angle of incoming sunlight such that the angle of incidence (AOI) of the sunlight on the PV cell is within an accepted angle of acceptance (AOA). In one embodiment one or more material layers have HOEs formed therein and are arranged with respect to the photovoltaic cell such that the plurality of HOEs redirect sunlight along at least one axis when the sunlight is outside a defined AOA and permit sunlight to pass through the at least one material layer without being redirected when the sunlight is within the defined AOA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SOLARTRACK, LLC
    Inventor: William D. Bickmore
  • Patent number: 8222069
    Abstract: An image sensor including a first region where a pad is to be formed, and a second region where a light-receiving element is to be formed. A pad is formed over a substrate of the first region. A passivation layer is formed over the substrate of the first and second regions to expose a portion of the pad. A color filter is formed over the passivation layer of the second region. A microlens is formed over the color filter. A bump is formed over the pad. A protective layer is formed between the bump and the pad to expose the portion of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures II LLC
    Inventor: Sang Hyuk Park
  • Patent number: 8222516
    Abstract: A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by an N-type silicon substrate and a P-type polysilicon emitter formed on the backside of the solar cell. An antireflection layer may be formed on a textured front surface of the silicon substrate. A negative polarity metal contact on the front side of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the substrate, while a positive polarity metal contact on the backside of the solar cell makes an electrical connection to the polysilicon emitter. An external electrical circuit may be connected to the negative and positive metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell. The positive polarity metal contact may form an infrared reflecting layer with an underlying dielectric layer for increased solar radiation collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: SunPower Corporation
    Inventor: Peter John Cousins
  • Patent number: 8222086
    Abstract: A plurality of FPGA dice is disposed upon a semiconductor substrate. In order both to connect thousands of signal interconnect lines between the plurality of FPGA dice and to supply the immense power required, it is desired that the substrate construction include two different portions, each manufactured using incompatible processes. The first portion is a signal interconnect structure containing a thin conductor layers portion characterized as having a plurality of thin, fine-pitch conductors. The second portion is a power connection structure that includes thick conductors and vertical through-holes. The through-holes contain conductive material and supply power to the FPGA dice from power bus bars located at the other side of the semiconductor substrate. The portions are joined at the wafer level by polishing the wafer surfaces within a few atoms of flatness and subsequent cleaning. The portions are then fusion bonded together or combined using an adhesive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventor: Robert O. Conn
  • Patent number: 8222129
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell according to an exemplary embodiment includes: forming a first doping film on a substrate; patterning the first doping film so as to form a first doping film pattern and so as to expose a portion of the substrate; forming a diffusion prevention film on the first doping film pattern so as to cover the exposed portion of the substrate; etching the diffusion prevention film so as to form spacers on lateral surfaces of the first doping film pattern; forming a second doping film on the first doping film pattern so as to cover the spacer and exposed substrate; forming a first doping region on the substrate surface by diffusing an impurity from the first doping film pattern into the substrate; and forming a second doping region on the substrate surface by diffusing an impurity from the second doping film pattern into the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Su Kim, Doo-Youl Lee
  • Publication number: 20120178194
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing an electronic apparatus, such as a lighting device having light emitting diodes (LEDs) or a power generating device having photovoltaic diodes. The exemplary method includes depositing a first conductive medium within a plurality of channels of a base to form a plurality of first conductors; depositing within the plurality of channels a plurality of semiconductor substrate particles suspended in a carrier medium; forming an ohmic contact between each semiconductor substrate particle and a first conductor; converting the semiconductor substrate particles into a plurality of semiconductor diodes; depositing a second conductive medium to form a plurality of second conductors coupled to the plurality of semiconductor diodes; and depositing or attaching a plurality of lenses suspended in a first polymer over the plurality of diodes. In various embodiments, the depositing, forming, coupling and converting steps are performed by or through a printing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicants: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark David Lowenthal, Neil O. Shotton, Richard A. Blanchard, Mark Allan Lewandowski, Kirk A. Fuller, Donald Odell Frazier
  • Patent number: 8216872
    Abstract: A light-trapping layer is integrated into a thin-film solar cell. It is integrated as a light-inlet layer, an intermediate layer or a shaded layer with nano-particles embedded in a transparent or non-transparent conductive film. Thus, light stays longer in an absorption layer with photocurrent increased; defects of interface between the absorption layer and the nano-material are decreased; anti-reflective effect to inlet light is enhanced; and a good integrity and a good reliability for long-time light-shining are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: National Applied Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Jia-Min Shieh, Chang-Hong Shen, Wen-Hsien Huang, Shih-Chuan Wu, Bau-Tong Dai, Jung Y. Huang, Hao-Chung Kuo
  • Patent number: 8218596
    Abstract: A Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser capable of decreasing the lowering of the yield due to displacement and separation of a pedestal without enormous increase of the threshold value and more difficult manufacturing process is provided. A base of a mesa spreads over the top face of a lower DBR layer. The base is a non-flat face in which end faces of a plurality of layers are exposed. The non-flat face is generated due to etching unevenness in forming the mesa, and is in a state of a step in which end faces of a low-refractive index layer and a high-refractive index layer included in the lower DBR layer are alternatively exposed. At least one of the layers exposed in the non-flat face in the plurality of low-refractive index layers included in the lower DBR layer is an oxidation inhibition layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Oki, Rintaro Koda, Naoki Jogan, Yuji Masui, Takahiro Arakida
  • Patent number: 8212250
    Abstract: The absorption coefficient of silicon for infrared light is very low and most solar cells absorb very little of the infrared light energy in sunlight. Very thick cells of crystalline silicon can be used to increase the absorption of infrared light energy but the cost of thick crystalline cells is prohibitive. The present invention relates to the use of less expensive microcrystalline silicon solar cells and the use of backside texturing with diffusive scattering to give a very large increase in the absorption of infrared light. Backside texturing comprises a plurality of cusped features providing diffusive scattering. Constructing the solar cell with a smooth front surface results in multiple internal reflections, light trapping, and a large enhancement of the absorption of infrared solar energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Leonard Forbes
  • Patent number: 8211730
    Abstract: A method for manufacture of a nanophotonic device can include the step of operatively coupling a planar light source and a photodetector with an optical waveguide. The planar light source, photodetector and optical waveguide can then be monolithically integrated in direct contact with a sapphire substrate, along with an electronic component that is also in direct contact with the sapphire substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Serey Thai, Paul R. de la Houssaye, Randy L. Shimabukuro, Stephen D. Russell
  • Publication number: 20120160318
    Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell apparatus and a method of fabricating the same. The solar cell apparatus includes a support substrate, a back electrode layer on the support substrate, a light absorbing layer covering the back electrode layer while exposing a first expose region of the back electrode layer, and a window layer covering the light absorbing layer while exposing a second expose region of the light absorbing layer. The above layers are formed by moving one mask at a predetermined pitch. The layers have step difference from each other, and are stacked on each other so that the layers are offset from each other by the predetermined pitch. The solar cell apparatus is fabricated by using one mask, so that the solar cell apparatus is very easily formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung Shik Baik
  • Patent number: 8207010
    Abstract: It is an object to form a high-quality crystalline semiconductor layer directly over a large-sized substrate with high productivity without reducing the deposition rate and to provide a photoelectric conversion device in which the crystalline semiconductor layer is used as a photoelectric conversion layer. A photoelectric conversion layer formed of a semi-amorphous semiconductor is formed over a substrate as follows: a reaction gas is introduced into a treatment chamber where the substrate is placed; and a microwave is introduced into the treatment chamber through a slit provided for a waveguide that is disposed in approximately parallel to and opposed to the substrate, thereby generating plasma. By forming a photoelectric conversion layer using such a semi-amorphous semiconductor, a rate of deterioration in characteristics by light deterioration is decreased from one-fifth to one-tenth, and thus a photoelectric conversion device that has almost no problems for practical use can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Yasuyuki Arai
  • Publication number: 20120153174
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to detector imaging arrays with highly robust mounting of scintillators (e.g., scintillating phosphor screens) to imaging arrays. For example, the detector arrays comprise spacers to define a space between or separate the scintillator from the imaging array. Embodiments according to present teachings can provide projection radiographic imaging apparatuses, including a scintillator, an imaging array including a plurality of pixels formed over a substrate, and a plurality of spacers disposed between an active surface of the imaging array and the scintillator. The spacers can reduce or prevent contact between a surface of the scintillator and the active surface of the imaging array, strengthen or control attachment therebetween, or adjust light transmittance therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Publication number: 20120153127
    Abstract: An image sensor having a semiconductor substrate, at least two photosites in the substrate and an isolation region between the photosites. The isolation region has a first trench covered by a thin electrically insulating liner and filled with an electrically conductive material, the conductive material has a second trench at least partially filled with an optically isolating material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS SA
    Inventors: Flavien Hirigoyen, Julien Michelot
  • Publication number: 20120153128
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an image sensor includes the steps of: forming at least two photosites in a semiconductor substrate; forming a trench between the photosites; forming a thin liner on at least the sidewalls of the trench; depositing a conductive material having a first refractive index in the trench; and forming a region surrounded by the conductive material and having a second refractive index lower than the first index of refraction within the conductive material in the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: STMICROELECTRONICS SA, STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Francois Roy, Flavien Hirigoyen, Julien Michelot
  • Publication number: 20120153175
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to detector imaging arrays with scintillators (e.g., scintillating phosphor screens) mounted to imaging arrays. For example, the detector arrays comprise spacers to define a space between or separate the scintillator from the imaging array and a component of the imaging array is formed over the spacers. Embodiments according to present teachings can provide projection radiographic imaging apparatuses and methods including increased fill factors. Embodiments according to present teachings can provide projection radiographic imaging apparatuses, including a scintillator, an imaging array including a plurality of pixels formed over a substrate, and a plurality of spacers disposed between an active surface of the imaging array and the scintillator, where a component of the imaging array is over at least one of the spacers. The spacers can adjust light transmittance between the imaging array and the scintillator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy J. Tredwell
  • Publication number: 20120152352
    Abstract: A germanium-containing layer is provided between a p-doped silicon-containing layer and a transparent conductive material layer of a photovoltaic device. The germanium-containing layer can be a p-doped silicon-germanium alloy layer or a germanium layer. The germanium-containing layer has a greater atomic concentration of germanium than the p-doped silicon-containing layer. The presence of the germanium-containing layer has the effect of reducing the series resistance and increasing the shunt resistance of the photovoltaic device, thereby increasing the fill factor and the efficiency of the photovoltaic device. In case a silicon-germanium alloy layer is employed, the closed circuit current density also increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: EGYPT NANOTECHNOLOGY CENTER, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tze-Chiang Chen, Jee H. Kim, Devendra K. Sadana, Ahmed Abou-Kandil, Mohamed Saad
  • Patent number: 8202755
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a photodiode module including a structure configured to selectively couple light to a dielectric-surface mode of a photonic crystal of the photodiode module. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photodiode module includes a semiconductor structure having a p-region and an n-region. The photodiode module further includes a photonic crystal having a surface positioned adjacent to the semiconductor structure. A diffraction grating of the photodiode module may be positioned and configured to selectively couple light incident on the diffraction grating to a dielectric-surface mode associated with the surface of the photonic crystal. In another embodiment of the present invention, a photodiode apparatus includes multiple, stacked photodiode modules, each of which is configured to selectively absorb light at a selected wavelength or range of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Fattal, Jason Blackstock, Duncan Stewart
  • Patent number: 8202756
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an organic EL device includes providing a structure including a substrate and an electrode positioned above the substrate, and forming an organic layer including a mixture of first and second organic materials above the electrode. The first organic material has a first sublimation point. The second organic material has a second sublimation point higher than the first sublimation point. The formation of the organic layer includes heating an evaporation material including a mixture of the first and second organic materials to an evaporation temperature so as to sublimate the first and second organic materials, and delivering the sublimed first and second organic materials toward the electrode to deposit a mixture including the first and second organic materials above the electrode. The evaporation temperature is, for example, a temperature higher than the second sublimation temperature by 50° C. or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Kitamura, Tetsuo Ishida
  • Patent number: 8204345
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board for optical waveguides, including: preparing a base substrate; forming an optical waveguide, which includes a lower clad, a core formed on an upper middle of the lower clad, and an upper clad formed on the lower clad to surround an upper surface and a side surface of the core, on an upper middle of the base substrate; disposing a side substrate including a first side substrate that has a through hole, through which the optical waveguide penetrates, provided at the middle thereof and a first circuit pattern formed therein and a second side substrate disposed on the first side substrate on the upper part of the base substrate on which the optical waveguide is formed; disposing an upper substrate on the side substrate on which the through hole is formed; and stacking the side substrate and the upper substrate on the base substrate on which the optical waveguide is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Hoon Kim, Han Seo Cho, Jae Hyun Jung, Joon Sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20120147350
    Abstract: A transmissive spectral purity filter configured to transmit extreme ultraviolet radiation includes a filter part having a plurality of apertures to transmit extreme ultraviolet radiation and to suppress transmission of a second type of radiation. The apertures may be manufactured in semiconductor material such as silicon by an anisotropic etching process. The semiconductor material is provided with a hydrogen-resistant layer, such as silicon nitride Si3N4, silicon dioxide SiO2, or silicon carbide SiC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V
    Inventors: Andrei Yakunin, Vadim Banine, Denis Glushkov
  • Publication number: 20120146169
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for manufacturing a solid state imaging device, the method including: forming a plurality of first semispherical lens bodies; forming a second transparent resin layer; and forming a second lens body. The plurality of first semispherical lens bodies are respectively formed on a plurality of photodiode layers formed on a principal surface of a semiconductor substrate. The second transparent resin layer is a resin layer having an etching rate higher than that of the first lens body, and is formed so that the semiconductor substrate including the plurality of first lens bodies is covered with the second transparent resin layer. The second lens bodies are formed on a surface except the top part of each of the first lens bodies by etching an entire surface of the second transparent resin layer until top parts of the first lens bodies are exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hajime Ootake
  • Patent number: 8198118
    Abstract: A mask and method for forming the same including carrying out a photolithographic patterning process the method including providing a substantially light transparent portion; forming a substantially light shielding layer disposed over the substantially light transparent portion; forming at least one barrier layer disposed over the substantially light shielding layer; forming a resist layer disposed over the at least one barrier layer; patterning the resist layer for producing a circuitry pattern; and, carrying out an etching process according to the circuitry pattern to expose a portion of the substantially light transparent portion to form a mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Ken Wu, Hung-Chang Hsieh, Chang-Cheng Hung, Luke Hsu, Ren-Guey Hsieh, Hsin-Chang Lee, Chia-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8198119
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an image sensor is described. A substrate is provided. Multiple photoresist patterns are formed over the substrate, and then a thermal reflow step is performed to convert the photoresist patterns into multiple microlenses arranged in an array. The focal length of the microlens increases from the center of the array toward the edge of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Cheng-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8198120
    Abstract: An optical article and method of making the same are provided. The optical article has optical multi-aperture operation. The optical article has one or more electrically conductive and selectively passivated patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventors: Jitendra S. Goela, Michael A. Pickering, Neil D. Brown, Angelo Chirafisi, Mark Lefebvre, Jamie L. Triba
  • Publication number: 20120138146
    Abstract: A thin-film solar battery is constructed such that it includes a translucent insulating substrate, a first transparent conductive film formed of a crystalline transparent conductive film on the translucent insulating substrate, with an uneven structure on a surface thereof, a second transparent conductive film formed of a transparent conductive film on the first transparent conductive film, with an uneven structure on a surface thereof, where the uneven structure is more gentle than the uneven structure of the first transparent conductive film, a power generation layer formed on the second transparent conductive film and having at least one crystalline layer to generate power, and a backside electrode layer formed of a light-reflective conductive film on the power generation layer. A substantially convex hollow portion projecting from the translucent insulating substrate is provided between adjacent convex portions in the uneven structure of the first transparent conductive film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeo Furuhata, Keisuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120138901
    Abstract: A photoelectric device, such as a photodetector, can include a semiconductor nanowire electrostatically associated with a J-aggregate. The J-aggregate can facilitate absorption of a desired wavelength of light, and the semiconductor nanowire can facilitate charge transport. The color of light detected by the device can be chosen by selecting a J-aggregate with a corresponding peak absorption wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian J. Walker, August Dorn, Vladimir Bulovic, Moungi G. Bawendi
  • Patent number: 8193026
    Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) image sensor having a light receiving part at the wafer or die backside, and a manufacturing method thereof, are disclosed. The method includes polishing the light receiving part so that a super via protrudes, forming a first insulating layer to cover the protruding super via and the light receiving part, forming a photoresist pattern on the first insulating layer to expose a pad region, etching the first insulating layer to form spacers at sides of the protruding super via, repeatedly forming a second insulating layer covering the spacers, the super via and the light receiving part and etching the second insulating layer so that the spacers increase in width and cover an upper surface of the light receiving part, and forming a metal pad in the pad region to contact the super via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keun Hyuk Lim
  • Patent number: 8194714
    Abstract: A light emitting and receiving device having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region in a plan view, includes: a light absorbing layer formed in the first and second regions; a first cladding layer formed above the light absorbing layer; an active layer formed above the first cladding layer in the first region; and a second cladding layer formed above the active layer, wherein at least part of the active layer forms a gain region, a stepped side surface having an end surface of the gain region is formed at the boundary between the first region and the second region, light produced in the gain region exits through the end surface of the gain region, and part of the light having exited reaches the light absorbing layer in the second region and is received by the light absorbing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8194181
    Abstract: A camera module includes a circuit board; a lens electrically connected to the circuit board; a adjusting base disposed on the circuit board and having at least two through-hole disposed adjacent to opposite sides of the lens; at least two fixed posts; at least two adjusting screw respectively passing through the through-holes of the adjusting base so as to be secured in the fixed posts; and at least two springs respectively encircling the adjusting screws, wherein two ends of each spring are positioned against the adjusting base and one of the fixed post respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Ji Tsai, Bo-Ren Yan, Ying-Chieh Hu, Jung-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 8193025
    Abstract: Provided are a photomask, an image sensor, and a method of manufacturing the image sensor. The image sensor can include photodiode structures, color filters, a planarization layer, and microlenses. The photodiode structures can be disposed on a semiconductor substrate according to unit pixel. The color filters can be disposed on the semiconductor substrate in a matrix arrangement above the photodiode structures. The planarization layer can cover the entire semiconductor substrate and includes cavities in regions of the planarization layer corresponding to boundaries between the color filters. The cavities may be arranged at boundaries between unit pixels. The microlenses can be disposed on the planarization layer such that portions of the microlenses are arranged in the cavities of the planarization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Dongbu Hitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Ho Park
  • Publication number: 20120132809
    Abstract: A radiation sensor includes first and second pixels with a radiation absorption filter positioned over the first pixel and an interference filter positioned over both the first and second pixels. The combined spectral response of the absorption filter and the first pixel has a first pixel pass-band and a first pixel stop-band. The spectral response of the interference filter has an interference filter pass-band which is substantially within the first pixel pass-band for radiation incident on the interference filter at a first angle of incidence, and substantially within the first pixel stop-band for radiation incident on the interference filter at a second angle of incidence greater than the first angle of incidence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventor: Ewan Findlay
  • Patent number: 8187908
    Abstract: In an integrated circuit, a light sensitive area is protected against radiation by arranging a light blocking layer sequence (504) on top of the light sensitive area. The light blocking layer sequence comprises one or several metal layers (504a) and a silicon layer (503b, 1) for the purpose of absorption. A moth eye structure is provided on the silicon layer. Thereby, a radiation incident by reflection is minimized in such a way that also stray light can effectively be kept from the light sensitive area below the light blocking layer sequence (504).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: X-Fab Semiconductor Foundries AG
    Inventor: Daniel Gaebler