Specific Surface Topography (e.g., Textured Surface, Etc.) Patents (Class 438/71)
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Patent number: 8404503Abstract: A method for making light emitting diode is provided. The method includes following steps. A light emitting diode chip is provided, wherein the light emitting diode chip comprises a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layers stacked together in that order. A patterned mask layer is located on a surface of the first semiconductor layer, wherein the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures aligned side by side, and a slot is defined between each two adjacent protruding structures to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. The exposed portion of the first semiconductor layer is etched to form a protruding pair. A number of M-shaped three-dimensional nano-structures are formed by removing the mask layer. A first electrode is electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is electrically connected with the second semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhen-Dong Zhu, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent number: 8404504Abstract: A method for making light emitting diode is provided. The method includes following steps. A light emitting diode chip is provided, the light emitting diode includes a first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layers stacked on a surface of a substrate in that order. A patterned mask layer is located on the second semiconductor layer, and the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures aligned side by side. The second semiconductor layer is etched to form a number of three-dimensional nano-structures preform. The mask layer is removed to form a number of M-shaped three-dimensional nano-structures. The second semiconductor layer and the active layer are etched to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. A first electrode is electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is electrically connected with the second semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhen-Dong Zhu, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
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Publication number: 20130068292Abstract: Described herein is a method for obtaining a three-dimensional nanostructure array on an aluminum substrate. The method includes anodizing the aluminum substrate; forming an oxide layer on the aluminum substrate; texturizing the aluminum substrate; etching the oxide layer from the aluminum substrate to expose the texturized aluminum substrate; and forming a three-dimensional aluminum nanostructure array on the aluminum substrate. The three-dimensional nanostructure array, coated with a light absorber, is utilized in a thin film solar cell or photovoltaic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Zhiyong Fan, Rui Yu
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Patent number: 8399283Abstract: Provided is a bifacial photovoltaic arrangement comprising a bifacial cell which included a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface, a first passivation layer formed on the first surface of the semiconductor layer and a second passivation layer formed on the second surface of the semiconductor layer, and a plurality of metallizations formed on the first and second passivation layers and selectively connected to the semiconductor layer. At least some of the metallizations on the bifacial photovoltaic arrangement comprising an elongated metal structure having a relatively small width and a relatively large height extending upward from the first and second passivation layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: SolarWorld Innovations GmbHInventors: David K. Fork, Stephen Patrick Shea
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Publication number: 20130065350Abstract: A design and manufacturing method for an interdigitated backside contact photovoltaic (PV) solar cell less than 100 ?m thick are disclosed. A porous silicon layer is formed on a wafer substrate. Portions of the PV cell are then formed using diffusion, epitaxy and autodoping from the substrate. All backside processing of the solar cell (junctions, passivation layer, metal contacts to the N+ and P+ regions) is performed while the thin epitaxial layer is attached to the porous layer and substrate. After backside processing, the wafer is clamped and exfoliated. The front of the PV cell is completed from the region of the wafer near the exfoliation fracture layer, with subsequent removal of the porous layer, texturing, passivation and deposition of an antireflective coating. During manufacturing, the cell is always supported by either the bulk wafer or a wafer chuck, with no processing of bare thin PV cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Crystal Solar, IncorporatedInventor: Crystal Solar, Incorporated
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Patent number: 8394661Abstract: A structuring device is for structuring a plate-like element.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: InnoLas Systems GmbHInventor: Richard Grundmueller
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Publication number: 20130052771Abstract: The solar cell manufacturing apparatus includes: a load lock chamber configured to allow loading and unloading of a substrate by switching between atmospheric ambient and vacuum ambient; a processing chamber where the substrate for a solar cell is to be doped with impurity ions for pn junction formation in the vacuum ambient; and a conveyance chamber including a conveyance unit configured to convey the substrate between the load lock chamber and the processing chamber. The doping of impurity ions is performed by irradiation with the impurity ions from an ion gun, and the ion gun is provided with a grid plate, as its ion irradiation surface, facing the substrate conveyed to the processing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: ULVAC, INC.Inventor: Genji Sakata
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Patent number: 8384103Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention provides a light source comprising a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips, a plurality of electrical leads and an encapsulant. The plurality of electrical leads is connected to the plurality of light-emitting semiconductor chips. The encapsulant completely encases the plurality of semiconductor chips. The encapsulant partially encases the plurality of electrical leads.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kum Soon Wong, Lig Yi Yong, Kean Loo Keh
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Patent number: 8384173Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a light receiving unit formed in a semiconductor base and configured to perform photoelectric conversion; an insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor base; a film constituting a cladding of a waveguide together with the insulating layer and being formed in an outer part of an interior of a hole by coating, the hole being formed in the insulating layer above the light receiving unit; a core of the waveguide, the core being composed of a material having a higher refractive index than a material for the insulating layer and a material for the film formed by coating, the core being formed in an inner part of the interior of the hole; and an inner lens integrated with the waveguide, the inner lens having a lens surface formed at the bottom of the hole at the interface between the film formed by coating and the core.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Hiroyasu Matsugai
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Publication number: 20130045561Abstract: Semiconductor photovoltaic cells have surfaces that are textured for processing and photovoltaic reasons. The absorbing regions may have grooves that reduce loss of solar energy that would otherwise be lost by reflection. One form of texturing has grooves and ridges. The cell also includes metallizations for collecting generated electrical carriers and conducting them away, which may be channels. The topography is considered during production, using a process that takes advantage of the topography to govern what locations will receive a specific processing, and which locations will not. Liquids are treated directly into zones. They migrate throughout a zone and act upon the locations contacted. They do not migrate to other zones, due to impediments to flow, such as edges, walls and ridges. Liquid may also be deposited and migrate within a zone, to block or mask a subsequent activity, such as etching.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Emanuel M. Sachs, James F. Bredt
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Patent number: 8377728Abstract: A method for making light emitting diode is provided. The method includes following steps. A substrate is provided. A patterned mask layer is located on a surface of the substrate, and the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures aligned side by side, a slot is defined between each two adjacent protruding structures to expose a portion of the substrate. The exposed substrate is etched, and each two adjacent protruding structures begin to slant face to face until closed to form a protruding pair. A number of three-dimensional nano-structures are formed by removing the patterned mask layer. A first semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second semiconductor layers are grown on the number of three-dimensional nano-structures in that order. A first electrode is electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer. A second electrode is electrically connected with the second semiconductor layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhen-Dong Zhu, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
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Publication number: 20130026481Abstract: Textured optoelectronic devices and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, a method of manufacturing a solid state optoelectronic device can include forming a conductive transparent texturing material on a substrate. The method can further include forming a transparent conductive material on the texturing material. Upon heating the device, the texturing material causes the conductive material to grow a plurality of protuberances. The protuberances can improve current spreading and light extraction from the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Lifang Xu, Scott D. Schellhammer, Shan Ming Mou, Michael J. Bernhardt
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Publication number: 20130025663Abstract: A method for texturing a single-crystalline silicon substrate is provided in which inverted pyramids are formed within the textured single-crystalline silicon substrate. The textured single-crystalline silicon substrates containing the inverted pyramids provided by the present disclosure have a low reflectance associated therewith and thus can be used as a component of a silicon solar cell. The method includes forming a plurality of openings that extend beneath an upper surface of a single-crystalline silicon substrate, and forming inverted pyramids in each of the openings by expanding each opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Jun Liu, Qiang Huang, Young-hee Kim
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Publication number: 20130025678Abstract: A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell may include a substrate, an emitter layer positioned at a first surface of the substrate, a first anti-reflection layer that is positioned on a surface of the emitter layer and may include a plurality of first contact lines exposing a portion of the emitter layer, a first electrode that is electrically connected to the emitter layer exposed through the plurality of first contact lines and may include a plating layer directly contacting the emitter layer, and a second electrode positioned on a second surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Goohwan Shim, Changseo Park, Philwon Yoon, Yoonsil Jin, Jinsung Kim, Youngho Choe, Jaewon Chang
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Publication number: 20130025675Abstract: Disclosed are a solar cell and a preparing method of the same. The solar cell includes a substrate, a back electrode layer on the substrate, a light absorbing layer on the back electrode layer, and a window layer on the light absorbing layer. The window layer includes a base layer on the light absorbing layer, and an anti-reflection pattern on the base layer. The anti-reflection pattern includes a top surface, and an inclined surface extending from the top surface in a direction in which the inclined surface is inclined with respect to the top surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Jin Woo Lee
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Patent number: 8361836Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element and a photoelectric conversion element manufactured by the manufacturing method. The method includes the steps of forming a p-type impurity diffusion layer by diffusing boron into a silicon substrate, forming an oxidation control mask on a surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer in an area corresponding to an area where an electrode for p-type is to be formed, forming a thermal silicon oxide film on the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer, exposing part of the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer by removing the oxidation control mask formed on the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer in the area corresponding to the area where the electrode for p-type is to be formed, and forming the electrode for p-type on the part of the surface of the p-type impurity diffusion layer exposed by the removal of the oxidation control mask.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsutomu Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20130019933Abstract: A see-through thin film solar cell includes a first substrate, a photoelectric conversion film formed on the surface of the first substrate, a second substrate and a packaging adhesive film located between the second substrate and the photoelectric conversion film. The surface of the photovoltaic film is ablated via a laser to form at least one hollow-out zone through a patterned photo mask, thus averts the problem of reduced lifespan of laser equipment in conventional techniques that form patterns through laser ablation in frequent switching manner. By controlling the thickness of the patterned photo mask, grey scale patterns can be displayed and resolution thereof can also be increased, thereby improve the added value of the thin film solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: Shui-Yang LIEN
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Patent number: 8354584Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an enlarged dye sensitized solar cell which has a short-circuit preventing structure while a distance between a transparent conductive oxide and a counter electrode, that is, a cell gap is shortened. The dye sensitized solar cell includes a transparent conductive oxide which includes a transparent substrate and a conductive metal oxide having a light transmission property; a metal grid which is formed on the transparent conductive oxide; a protective film with which the metal grid is coated; a dye-adsorbed semiconductor thin film which is formed on the transparent conductive oxide in which the metal grid is not formed; and a counter electrode substrate, wherein a short-circuit preventing layer is provided in the counter electrode substrate facing the metal grid, and a width formed by a short side of the short-circuit preventing layer is larger than a width formed by the metal grid and protective layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Yoshimoto, Hiroto Naito
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Patent number: 8354585Abstract: A solar cell includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; uneven patterns disposed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the semiconductor substrate; a first impurity layer disposed on the uneven patterns and which includes a first part having a first doping concentration and a second part having a second doping concentration greater than the first doping concentration; and a first electrode which contacts the second part of the first impurity layer and does not contact the first part of the first impurity layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Min-Seok Oh, Byoung-Kyu Lee, Min Park, Czang-Ho Lee, Myung-Hun Shin, Yuk-Hyun Nam, Seung-Jae Jung, Mi-Hwa Lim, Joon-Young Seo
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Publication number: 20130011956Abstract: A method for texturing an active surface of a photovoltaic cell in single-crystal silicon or poly-crystal silicon includes depositing a resin on the active surface of the cell, texturing the resin on the active surface with geometric patterns, and texturing the active surface of the cell by eliminating the deposited resin. The depositing of the resin is preceded by pre-texturing the resin on a depositing tool. The texturing step of the resin on the active surface is simultaneous with the depositing of the resin on the active surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: MPO EnergyInventors: Bernard Bechevet, Johann Jourdan, Sylvin De Magnienville, Sébastien Thibert, Nadège Reverdy-Bruas, Didier Chaussy, Davide Beneventi
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Patent number: 8350349Abstract: Provided is a solid-state imaging device including a first photoelectric-conversion-portion selectively receiving a first wavelength light in incident light and performing photoelectric conversion; and a second photoelectric-conversion-portion selectively receiving a second wavelength light which is shorter than the first wavelength, wherein the first photoelectric-conversion-portion is laminated above the second photoelectric-conversion-portion in an imaging area of a substrate so that the second photoelectric-conversion-portion receives the light transmitting the first photoelectric-conversion-portion, wherein a transmitting portion is formed in the first photoelectric-conversion-portion so that the second wavelength light transmits the second photoelectric-conversion-portion more than other portions, and wherein the transmitting portion is formed to include a portion satisfying the following Equation within a width D defined in the direction of the imaging area, a refraction index n of a peripheral portionType: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Atsushi Toda
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Publication number: 20130000722Abstract: It is aimed to provide a photoelectric conversion device having improved conversion efficiency, and a method for manufacturing the photoelectric conversion device. For achieving this object, a photoelectric conversion device including a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer is employed. In the photoelectric conversion device, the first semiconductor layer includes one principal surface on which a plurality of projections are scattered, includes a I-III-VI group compound semiconductor, and has a first conductivity type. The second semiconductor layer is disposed on the one principal surface, has a thickness in a normal direction of the one principal surface, and has a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type. Further, a first distance along which each of the projections is projected in the normal direction is longer than a second distance along which the second semiconductor layer is provided in the normal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuki Yamada, Isamu Tanaka, Seiichiro Inai
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Publication number: 20130000721Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a substrate and a transparent, electrically conductive film covering at least a portion of a major surface of the substrate and having an irregular geometry on a surface thereof closer to a semiconductor layer. Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion device includes a first conduction type semiconductor layer covering at least a portion of the irregular geometry of the transparent, electrically conductive film, and a light absorption layer covering the first conduction type semiconductor layer. The irregular geometry has a bump having a maximum height equal to or larger than 50 nm and equal to or smaller than 1200 nm. The bump has a surface having a submicron recess having local peaks having a spacing equal to or larger than 2 nm and equal to or smaller than 25 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2010Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nasuno, Kazuhito Nishimura, Hiroki Tanimura, Kei Kajihara
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Publication number: 20120329200Abstract: A method of texturing a surface of a crystalline silicon substrate is provided. The method includes immersing a crystalline silicon substrate into an aqueous alkaline etchant solution to form a pyramid shaped textured surface, with (111) faces exposed, on the crystalline silicon substrate. The aqueous alkaline etchant solution employed in the method of the present disclosure includes an alkaline component and a nanoparticle slurry component. Specifically, the aqueous alkaline etchant solution of the present disclosure includes 0.5 weight percent to 5 weight percent of an alkaline component and from 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent of a nanoparticle slurry on a dry basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Mahadevaiyer Krishnan, Jun Liu, Satyavolu S. Papa Rao, George G. Totir
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Publication number: 20120322185Abstract: This invention provides an optoelectronic semiconductor device having a rough surface and the manufacturing method thereof. The optoelectronic semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor stack having a rough surface and an electrode layer overlaying the semiconductor stack. The rough surface comprises a first region having a first topography and a second region having a second topography. The method comprises the steps of forming a semiconductor stack on a substrate, forming an electrode layer on the semiconductor stack, thermal treating the semiconductor stack, and wet etching the surface of the semiconductor stack to form a rough surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Chiu-Lin Yao, Ta-Cheng Hsu
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Publication number: 20120318342Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes applying a diblock copolymer layer on a substrate and removing a first polymer material from the diblock copolymer layer to form a plurality of distributed pores. A pattern forming layer is deposited on a remaining surface of the diblock copolymer layer and in the pores in contact with the substrate. The diblock copolymer layer is lifted off and portions of the pattern forming layer are left in contact with the substrate. The substrate is etched using the pattern forming layer to protect portions of the substrate to form pillars in the substrate such that the pillars provide a radiation absorbing structure in the photovoltaic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: CHRISTOS DIMITRAKOPOULOS, Augustin J. Hong, Jeehwan Kim, Devendra K. Sadana, Kuen-Ting Shiu
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Patent number: 8334163Abstract: A method of forming solar cell includes forming a doping paste on a first surface of a semiconductor substrate to form a selective emitter, to render the selective emitter a non-textured surface, and forming a texturing barrier layer on a second surface of the semiconductor substrate to render the second surface a non-textured surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2012Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.Inventors: Yen-Cheng Hu, Jen-Chieh Chen, Zhen-Cheng Wu
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Publication number: 20120313204Abstract: Backside illuminated photosensitive devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a backside-illuminated photosensitive imager device can include a semiconductor substrate having multiple doped regions forming a least one junction, a textured region coupled to the semiconductor substrate and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation where the textured region includes surface features sized and positioned to facilitate tuning to a preselected wavelength of light, and a dielectric region positioned between the textured region and the at least one junction. The dielectric region is positioned to isolate the at least one junction from the textured region, and the semiconductor substrate and the textured region are positioned such that incoming electromagnetic radiation passes through the semiconductor substrate before contacting the textured region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Homayoon Haddad, Jeffrey McKee, Jutao Jiang, Drake Miller, Chintamani Palsule, Leonard Forbes
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Publication number: 20120313205Abstract: Photosensitive devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a frontside-illuminated photosensitive imager devices can include a semiconductor substrate having multiple doped regions forming a least one junction and a textured region coupled to the semiconductor substrate and positioned to interact with electromagnetic radiation on an opposite side of the semiconductor substrate from the multiple doped regions. The textured region can include surface features sized and positioned to facilitate tuning to a preselected wavelength of light. The device can also include an electrical transfer element coupled to the semiconductor substrate and operable to transfer an electrical signal from the at least one junction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Homayoon Haddad, Jeffrey McKee, Jutao Jiang, Drake Miller, Chintamani Palsule, Leonard Forbes
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Patent number: 8324499Abstract: A three-dimensional thin-film solar cell 100, comprising a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell substrate comprising a plurality of single-aperture or dual-aperture unit cells with emitter junction regions 522 and doped base regions 530, emitter metallization regions 525 and base metallization regions 532. Optionally, the three-dimensional thin-film solar cell may be mounted on a rear mirror for improved light trapping and conversion efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Solexel, Inc.Inventor: Mehrdad M. Moslehi
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Publication number: 20120298192Abstract: Light to current converter devices, such as solar cells, are disclosed. The devices may include via holes extending through the cell substrate and may include through-hole electrodes within the via holes. The through-hole electrodes may be made from one or more materials and may be hollow, partially hollow, or fully filled. Front and rear electrodes may also be formed on the device and can be made of the same or different materials as the through-hole electrode. The devices may include emitters located only on the top surface of the cell, located on the top surface and symmetrically or asymmetrically along a portion of the inner surface of the via holes, or located on the top surface and full inner surface of the via holes. Processes for making light to current converter devices are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: CSI Cells Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lingjun ZHANG, Jian WU, Feng ZHANG, Xusheng WANG
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Publication number: 20120298198Abstract: The invention relates to a layered system for producing a solar cell on a metal substrate and to a method of producing the layered system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Joost Willem Hendrik van Krevel, Albertus Johannes Maria Wigchert, Ganesan Palaniswamy
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Publication number: 20120292729Abstract: Semiconductor structures, devices, and methods that can exhibit various enhanced properties, such as, for example, enhanced light detection properties are provided. In one aspect, for example, an optoelectronic device can include a semiconductor material having an enhanced absorption region and a first defect in the enhanced absorption region, where the first defect is a deep-level defect generated by a first defect carrier type that is either a deep-level donor carrier type or a deep-level acceptor carrier type. The device can also include a second defect in the enhanced absorption region, where the second defect is either a shallow-level defect or a deep-level defect, and where the second defect is generated by a second defect carrier type that is opposite to the first defect carrier type. Furthermore, the enhanced absorption region has an external quantum efficiency of at least about 0.5% for electromagnetic radiation wavelengths greater than 1250 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: SiOnyx, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Vineis
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Publication number: 20120295390Abstract: Alternative additives that can be used in place of isopropyl alcohol in aqueous alkaline etchant solutions for texturing a surface of a single-crystalline silicon substrate are provided. The alternative additives do not have volatile constituents, yet can be used in an aqueous alkaline etchant solution to provide a pyramidal shaped texture surface to the single-crystalline silicon substrate that is exposed to such an etchant solution. Also provided is a method of forming a textured silicon surface. The method includes immersing a single-crystalline silicon substrate into an etchant solution to form a pyramid shaped textured surface on the single-crystalline silicon substrate. The etchant solution includes an alkaline component, silicon (etched into the solution as a bath conditioner) and glycerol or ethylene glycol as an additive. The textured surface of the single-crystalline silicon substrate has (111) faces that are now exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Kathryn C. Fisher, Jun Liu, Satyavolu S. Papa Rao, George G. Totir, James Vichiconti
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Patent number: 8309389Abstract: Photovoltaic semiconductor devices and associated methods are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of making a photovoltaic semiconductor device having enhanced electromagnetic radiation absorption can include applying a damage removal etch (DRE) to a semiconductor material to an RMS surface roughness of from about 0.5 nm to about 50 nm and texturing a single side of the semiconductor material. The texturing further includes irradiating a target region of the semiconductor material with laser radiation to create features having a size of from about 50 nm to about 10 microns.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: SiOnyx, Inc.Inventors: Susan Alie, Stephen D. Saylor, Christopher J. Vineis
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Patent number: 8309446Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a high efficiency solar cell using a novel processing sequence to form a solar cell device. In one embodiment, the methods include forming a doping layer on a back surface of a substrate, heating the doping layer and substrate to cause the doping layer diffuse into the back surface of the substrate, texturing a front surface of the substrate after heating the doping layer and the substrate, forming a dielectric layer on the back surface of the substrate, removing portions of the dielectric layer from the back surface to from a plurality of exposed regions of the substrate, and depositing a metal layer over the back surface of the substrate, wherein the metal layer is in electrical communication with at least one of the plurality of exposed regions on the substrate, and at least one of the exposed regions has dopant atoms provided from the doping layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Weidman, Rohit Mishra, Michael P. Stewart, Yonghwa Chris Cha, Kapila P. Wijekoon, Hongbin Fang
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Publication number: 20120273036Abstract: To provide a photoelectric conversion device with less metal contamination and surface detects, and a manufacturing method thereof. The photoelectric conversion device is formed in the following manner: a surface of the single crystal silicon substrate is soaked in an alkaline solution to perform etching so that unevenness including a plurality of minute projections each having a substantially square pyramidal shape and a depression formed between the adjacent projections are formed; then, the single crystal silicon substrate having the unevenness is soaked in a mixed acid solution to perform etching so that at a cross section including a vertex of the projection and dividing each of a surface of the projection and a surface facing the aforementioned surface into two equal parts, the vertex of the projection forms an obtuse angle, and a bottom of the depression has a curved surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryosuke MOTOYOSHI, Takashi Hirose, Naoto Kusumoto
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Publication number: 20120266951Abstract: Methods of forming emitters for back-contact solar cells are described. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a first solid-state dopant source above a substrate. The first solid-state dopant source includes a plurality of regions separated by gaps. Regions of a second solid-state dopant source are formed above the substrate by printing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Bo Li, Peter J. Cousins, David D. Smith
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Publication number: 20120269683Abstract: A device, a method of fabricating the device and a sample analysis system that includes the device are provided. The device includes an optical waveguide having a plurality of nanofeatures integrated thereon to influence at least one of evanescence and coupling of an optical field of the optical waveguide. The sample analysis system includes a fluidic actuation system for introducing sample specimen fluid into a microfluidic channel of the device for evanescence based detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: VALORBEC, S.E.C.Inventors: Muthukumaran Packirisamy, Arvind Chandrasekaran
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Publication number: 20120270359Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a single step diffusion process used in selective emitter solar cell fabrication. In one embodiment, a dopant paste is selectively applied on a front surface of a substrate having opposite conductivity type from the dopant paste. The substrate is then exposed to a dopant containing vapor to deposit a doping layer having opposite conductivity type from the substrate on the front surface of the substrate. While the substrate is exposed to the dopant containing vapor, a portion of the dopant paste also contribute to deposition of the doping layer via gas phase transport of doping atoms from the dopant paste. The substrate is then heated in an atmosphere comprising oxygen and/or nitrogen to a temperature sufficient to cause the dopant atoms in the dopant paste and the doping layer to diffuse into the substrate, forming heavily and lightly doped emitter regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: PRABHAT KUMAR, Jason Dominguez, David Tanner
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Patent number: 8294026Abstract: A three-dimensional solar cell comprising a semiconductor substrate with an inverted pyramidal cavity, emitter metallization regions on ridges on the surface of the semiconductor substrate which define an opening of the inverted pyramidal cavity, and base metallization regions on a region which form the apex of the inverted pyramidal cavity. A method for fabricating a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell from an inverted pyramidal three-dimensional thin-film silicon substrate by doping ridges on the surface of the semiconductor substrate which define an opening of an inverted pyramidal cavity on the substrate to form an emitter region, and doping a region which forms the apex of the inverted pyramidal cavity to form a base region. Adding a surface passivation layer to the surface of the substrate. Selectively etching the passivation layer from the emitter region and base region. Then concurrently metallizing the emitter region and base region.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Solexel, Inc.Inventors: David Xuan-Qi Wang, Mehrdad M. Moslehi
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Patent number: 8288193Abstract: The present disclosure uses ammonia plasma for nitrification and for further forming a barrier pattern on a substrate. Then, a selective emitter is fabricated by forming light doping and heavy doping at one time through diffusion into the substrate. Therein, a plurality of trenches for obtaining a front contact is formed at the same time on forming the barrier pattern. Thus, the fabrication process is simplified and the cost is reduced for fabricating a selective emitter solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: National Tsing Hua UniversityInventors: Yung-Hsien Wu, Li-Karn Wang, Feng-Der Chin
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Patent number: 8288195Abstract: A method is presented for fabrication of a three-dimensional thin-film solar cell semiconductor substrate from a template. A semiconductor template having three-dimensional surface features comprising a top surfaces substantially aligned along a (100) crystallographic plane of semiconductor template and a plurality of inverted pyramidal cavities defined by sidewalls substantially aligned along a (111) crystallographic plane is formed according to an anisotropic etching process. A dose of relatively of high energy light-mass species is implanted in the template at a uniform depth and parallel to the top surfaces and said sidewalls defining the inverted pyramidal cavities of the template. The semiconductor template is annealed to convert the dose of relatively of high energy light-mass species to a mechanically-weak-thin layer. The semiconductor template is cleaved along the mechanically-weak-thin layer to release a three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate from the semiconductor template.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Solexel, Inc.Inventors: David Xuan-Qi Wang, Mehrdad M. Moslehi
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Publication number: 20120255606Abstract: A multilayer anti-reflection structure for a backside contact solar cell. The anti-reflection structure may be formed on a front side of the backside contact solar cell. The anti-reflection structure may include a passivation level, a high optical absorption layer over the passivation level, and a low optical absorption layer over the high optical absorption layer. The passivation level may include silicon dioxide thermally grown on a textured surface of the solar cell substrate, which may be an N-type silicon substrate. The high optical absorption layer may be configured to block at least 10% of UV radiation coming into the substrate. The high optical absorption layer may comprise high-k silicon nitride and the low optical absorption layer may comprise low-k silicon nitride.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Hsin-Chiao LUAN, Denis DE CEUSTER
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Publication number: 20120258565Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus, comprising: a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are housed, the substrate having thereon a lamination film composed of any one of copper-indium, copper-gallium, or copper-indium-gallium; a reaction tube formed so as to constitute the processing chamber; a gas supply tube configured to introduce elemental selenium-containing gas or elemental sulfur-containing gas to the processing chamber; an exhaust tube configured to exhaust an atmosphere in the processing chamber; and a heating section provided so as to surround the reaction tube, wherein a porous coating film having a void rate of 5% to 15% mainly composed of a mixture of chromium oxide (CrxOy:x, y are arbitrary integer of 1 or more) silica is formed on a surface exposed to at least the elemental selenium-containing gas or the elemental sulfur-containing gas, out of the surface of the reaction tube on the processing chamber side.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicants: TOCALO CO., LTD., HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.Inventors: Eisuke NISHITANI, Yasuo KUNII, Kazuyuki TOYODA, Kosaku HIYAMA, Tomohiro NAKASUJI, Tatsuya HAMAGUCHI, Kiyoshi MIYAJIMA
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Publication number: 20120240999Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device enabling an improvement in photoelectric conversion efficiency and a method of manufacturing the photoelectric conversion device are provided. A solar cell includes a transparent substrate having, on a surface, a three-dimensional structure where a plurality of convex portions are regularly arranged, and a light receiving element being provided on the surface of the transparent substrate, and including a transparent electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a reflective electrode in this order of closeness to the transparent substrate. At least the transparent electrode of the light receiving element has a three-dimensional structure in accordance with the three-dimensional structure on a surface on a side opposite to the transparent substrate. The photoelectric conversion layer effectively absorbs incident light, and allows an electric field to be concentrated, causing an increase in current density.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hironori Yoshida, Toru Yatabe, Masashi Enomoto, Masamitsu Kageyama
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Publication number: 20120235268Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module comprises: a substrate having a first surface on which a light is incident and a second surface located at the opposite side of the first surface; a photoelectric conversion element provided on the second surface of the substrate; a light-transmitting member provided on the photoelectric conversion element; and a reflecting member provided on the light-transmitting member and configured to reflect a light having transmitted through the light-transmitting member. The reflecting member comprises an inclined light reflection surface that allows a light reflected from the reflecting member to be totally reflected at the first surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Koichiro Niira, Norikazu Ito, Hiroki Okui, Shinichiro Inaba
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Publication number: 20120238050Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention include methods of improving a process of forming a textured TCO film by combinatorial methods. The combinatorial method may include depositing a TCO by physical vapor deposition or sputtering, annealing the TCO, and etching the TCO where at least one of the depositing, the annealing, or the etching is performed combinatorially. Embodiments of the current invention also include improved methods of forming the TCO based on the results of combinatorial testing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Zhi-Wen Sun, Nitin Kumar, Guizhen Zhang, Nikhil Kalyankar, Minh Anh Nguyen
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Publication number: 20120234382Abstract: A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the solar cell, the solar cell including a first surface configured to receive incident sunlight and having a concavo-convex pattern, a substantially flat second surface opposite to the first surface, a first doped layer formed as a crystalline silicon layer having a first dopant, and a second doped layer formed as an amorphous silicon layer having a second dopant. The processes for forming these layers, with the exception of forming the first doped layer, are performed at a low temperature. Accordingly, reflectivity of sunlight may be minimized, a high terminal voltage may be generated, and a wafer including the solar cell can be kept from being bent.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Min PARK, Min-Seok Oh, Yun-Seok Lee, Nam-Kyu Song, Cho-Young Lee, Hoon-Ha Jeon, Yeon-Ik Jang
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Publication number: 20120227799Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromorph tandem cell is disclosed. The micromorph tandem cell comprises a ?c-Si:H bottom cell and an a-Si:H top cell, an LPCVD ZnO front contact layer and a ZnO back contact in combination with a white reflector. The method comprises the steps of applying an AR—Anti-Reflecting—concept to the micromorph tandem cell; implementing an intermediate reflector in the micromorph tandem cell. The micromorph tandem cell can achieve a stabilized efficiency of 10.6%.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: OERLIKON SOLAR AG, TRUEBBACHInventors: Evelyne Vallat-Sauvain, Daniel Borrello, Julien Bailat, Johannes Meier, Ulrich Kroll, Stefano Benagli, Castens Lucie, Giovanni Monteduro, Miguel Marmelo, Jochen Hoetzel, Yassine Djeridane, Jerome Steinhauser, Jean-Baptiste Orhan