Abstract: Described are embodiments of apparatuses and systems including photonic devices having a conductive shunt layer, and methods for making such apparatuses and systems. A photonic device may include a device substrate, a photo-active region disposed on a first region of the device substrate, an isolation region in the device substrate, a contact disposed on a second region of the substrate such that the isolation region is located between the contact and the photo-active region, and a conductive material overlying the isolation region to shunt the first region with the second region. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A p-doped semiconductor layer of a photovoltaic device is formed employing an inert gas within a carrier gas. The presence of the inert gas within the carrier gas increases free hole density within the p-doped semiconductor layer. This decreases the Schottky barrier at an interface with a transparent conductive material layer, thereby significantly reducing the series resistance of the photovoltaic device. The reduction of the series resistance increases the open-circuit voltage, the fill factor, and the efficiency of the photovoltaic device. This effect is more prominent if the p-doped semiconductor layer is also doped with carbon, and has a band gap greater than 1.85V. The p-doped semiconductor material of the p-doped semiconductor layer can be hydrogenated if the carrier gas includes a mix of H2 and the inert gas.

Abstract: A solar cell element is disclosed. The solar cell element comprises a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first wiring member and a second wiring member. The semiconductor substrate with a first surface and a second surface comprises a plurality of through-holes. The first electrode comprises a plurality of conduction portions and at least one first output extracting portion. The second electrode has a resistivity of less than 2.5×10-8 ?m (ohm-meter). The first wiring member comprises a first end face in a long direction thereof. The second wiring member comprises a second end face in a long direction thereof facing the first end face.

Abstract: Disclosed in a method that is for producing a solar cell and that is characterized by performing an annealing step on a semiconductor substrate before an electrode-forming step. By means of performing annealing in the above manner, it is possible to improve the electrical characteristics of the solar cell without negatively impacting reliability or outward appearance. As a result, the method can be widely used in methods for producing solar cells having high reliability and electrical characteristics.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a solar cell. The method includes: preparing a substrate with a rear electrode; and forming a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) based light absorbing layer on the rear electrode at a substrate temperature of room temperature to about 350° C., wherein the forming of the CIGS based light absorbing layer includes projecting an electron beam on the CIGS based light absorbing layer.

Abstract: A solar cell and method of fabrication are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises depositing a first doped amorphous silicon layer on a first surface of a silicon substrate, depositing a second doped amorphous silicon layer on the first surface of the silicon substrate. The second doped amorphous silicon layer is doped oppositely from the first doped amorphous silicon layer. An anneal is performed to transform the first doped amorphous silicon layer and second doped amorphous silicon layer to crystalline silicon layers.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell includes the following steps. At first, a substrate including a doped layer is provided. Subsequently, a patterned material layer partially overlapping the doped layer is formed on the substrate, and a first metal layer is conformally formed on the patterned material layer and the doped layer. Furthermore, a patterned mask layer totally overlapping the patterned material layer is formed on the first metal layer, and a second metal layer is formed on the doped layer not overlapped by the patterned material layer. Then, the patterned mask layer, the first metal layer between the patterned mask layer and the patterned material layer and a part of the patterned material layer are removed.

Abstract: In order to provide an electro-conductive paste bringing no increase of the contact resistance for forming an electrode of a solar cell device, the electro-conductive paste is characterized by containing an electro-conductive particle, an organic binder, a solvent, a glass frit, and an organic compound including alkaline earth metal, a metal with a low melting point or a compound affiliated with a metal with a low melting point.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes an antireflective film (4) which has a curved shape depressed towards a side to place photovoltaic cells (1) so as to make a film thickness of the antireflective film (4) in boundary regions (E2) between regions (E1) immediately above the adjacent photovoltaic cells (1) smaller than a film thickness of the antireflective film (4) in the regions (E1) immediately above the photovoltaic cells (1).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting devices comprising the steps of: providing a multi-layer semiconductor film comprising a surface; roughening the surface of the multi-layer semiconductor film to form a scattering surface; re-growing a semiconductor layer on the scattering surface; and roughening the semiconductor layer to form a sub-scattering portion on the scattering surface; wherein the sub-scattering portion is structurally smaller than the scattering surface.

Abstract: A device includes at least one collector of light energy and a transparent plate between the light source and the collector. One surface of the transparent plate has slits, enabling the device to be flexible about an axis parallel to the slits, while another surface contains image pixel areas and transparency areas. An observer can display an image on the surface of the screen even though the screen is transparent to the rays of the sun, which reach a solar collector behind the plate. The slits have the optical property of increasing the angles for viewing the image. The invention is particularly suitable for visually integrating the solar collectors into the environment in a general manner on any medium with images, including electronic images, and on any planar or non-planar surfaces.

Abstract: A solar cell and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A laser doping process is adopted to form positive and negative doping regions for an accurate control of the doping regions. No metal contact coverage issue arises since a contact opening is formed by later firing process. The solar cell is provided with a comb-like first electrode, a sheet-like second electrode corresponding to the doping regions to obtain high photoelectric conversion efficiency by fully utilizing the space in the semiconductor substrate. Furthermore, the sheet-like second electrode can be formed by a material having high reflectivity to improve the light utilization rate of the solar cell. The manufacturing process of the solar cell is simplified and the processing yield is improved.

Abstract: Devices incorporating a single to a few-layer MoS2 channels in combination with optimized substrate, dielectric, contact and electrode materials and configurations thereof, exhibit light emission, photoelectric effect, and superconductivity, respectively.

Abstract: The technique introduced herein decouples the traditional relationship between bandwidth and responsivity, thereby providing a more flexible and wider photodetector design space. In certain embodiments of the technique introduced here, a photodetector device includes a first mirror, a second mirror, and a light absorption region positioned between the first and second reflective mirrors. For example, the first mirror can be a partial mirror, and the second mirror can be a high-reflectivity mirror. The light absorption region is positioned to absorb incident light that is passed through the first mirror and reflected between the first and second mirrors. The first mirror can be configured to exhibit a reflectivity that causes an amount of light energy that escapes from the first mirror, after the light being reflected back by the second mirror, to be zero or near zero.

Abstract: A solar cell of anti potential induced degradation and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed by embodiments of the invention. The method includes: performing plasma cleaning on a silicon wafer by using an oxidizing gas, so as to form a first silicon oxide film on the surface of the silicon wafer; and forming an anti-reflection film on the surface of the first silicon oxide film, where the anti-reflection film includes at least a silicon oxide film.

Abstract: In a solar battery including: a photoelectric conversion layer that converts light into electricity; and a reflecting electrode layer that is provided on an opposite side of a light incident side in the photoelectric conversion layer and reflects light passed through the photoelectric conversion layer to the photoelectric conversion layer side, to realize a reflecting electrode layer having excellent adhesion and thermal corrosion resistance, stable electrical characteristics and satisfactory light reflection characteristics and to obtain a solar battery having high reliability, excellent electrical characteristics and optical characteristics, the reflecting electrode layer includes, on the photoelectric conversion layer side, a metal layer containing silver as a main component and containing nitrogen.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more image sensors and techniques for forming such image sensors are provided. An image sensor comprises a photodiode array configured to detect light. A filler grid is formed over the photodiode array, such as over a dielectric grid. The filler grid comprises one or more filler structures, such as a first filler structure that provides a light propagation path to a first photodiode that is primarily through the first filler structure. In this way, signal strength decay of light along the light propagation path before detection by the first photodiode is mitigated. The image sensor comprises a reflective layer that channels light towards corresponding photodiodes. For example, a first reflective layer portion guides light towards the first photodiode and away from a second photodiode. In this way, crosstalk, otherwise resulting from detection of light by incorrect photodiodes, is mitigated.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic modules, as well as methods of making and using such photovoltaic cells and photovoltaic modules, are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments of the photovoltaic cells selectively reflect visible light to provide the photovoltaic cells with a colorized appearance. Photovoltaic modules combining colorized photovoltaic cells may be used to harvest solar energy while providing a customized appearance, e.g., an image or pattern.

Abstract: A light sensing device includes a substrate, a light sensing area on the substrate, and a light shielding layer over the substrate. The light shielding layer does not cover the light sensing area. At least one outgassing hole is formed through the light shielding layer.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments involve the production of a broadband and at least quasi-omnidirectional antireflective (AR) coating. The concept underlying certain example embodiments is based on well-established and applied mathematical tools, and involves the creation of nanostructures that facilitate these and/or other features. Finite element (FDTD) simulations are performed to validate the concept and develop design guidelines for the nanostructures, e.g., with a view towards improving visible transmission. Certain example embodiments provide such structures on or in glass, and other materials (e.g., semiconductor materials that are used to convert light or EM waves to electricity) alternatively or additionally may have such structures formed directly or indirectly thereon.

Abstract: A process including forming an a backside-illuminated (BSI) image sensor in a substrate, the image sensor including a pixel array formed in or near a front surface of the substrate and one or more circuit blocks formed in the substrate near the pixel array, each circuit block including at least one support circuit. An interconnect layer is formed on the front surface of the substrate that includes a dielectric within which are embedded traces and vias, wherein the traces and vias electrically couple the pixel array to at least one of the one or more support circuits. An isolation trench is formed surrounding at least one of the one or more circuit blocks to isolate the pixel array and other circuit blocks from noise generated by the at least one support circuit within the circuit block surrounded by the isolation trench. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting element (1) is provided which includes a semiconductor layer (10), an n-type electrode (18) which is provided on an exposed surface (12a) of an n-type semiconductor layer, wherein an exposed surface is exposed by removing a part of the semiconductor layer (10), a transparent conductive film which is provided on the semiconductor layer (10) and a p-type electrode (17) which is provided on the transparent conductive film; a light-reflecting layer (39) is provided between the semiconductor layer (10) and the transparent conductive film, wherein at least part of the light-reflecting layer overlaps with the p-type electrode (17) in the planar view; the p-type electrode (17) comprises a pad portion (P) and a linear portion (L) which linearly extends from the pad portion (P) and has an annular structure in the planar view; the n-type electrode (18) exists in an inner area which is surrounded by the linear portion (L) and exists on a straight line (L1) which goes through a center (17a)

Abstract: A back side image sensor and method of manufacture are provided. In an embodiment a bottom anti-reflective coating is formed over a substrate, and a metal shield layer is formed over the bottom anti-reflective coating. The metal shield layer is patterned to form a grid pattern over a sensor array region of the substrate, and a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer are formed to at least partially fill in openings within the grid pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for semiconductor device PN junction fabrication are provided. In one embodiment, a method for fabricating an electrical device having a P-N junction comprises: depositing a layer of amorphous semiconductor material onto a crystalline semiconductor base, wherein the crystalline semiconductor base comprises a crystalline phase of a same semiconductor as the amorphous layer; and growing the layer of amorphous semiconductor material into a layer of crystalline semiconductor material that is epitaxially matched to the lattice structure of the crystalline semiconductor base by applying an optical energy that penetrates at least the amorphous semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing solar cell includes providing a semiconductor substrate. A coating layer is then formed on a plurality of sides. Subsequently, an anti-reflective layer is formed on the layer. Finally at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode are formed. The first and second electrodes respectively and electrically connect to the second conductive amorphous substrate and the semiconductor substrate. The potential induced degradation is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A reverse p-n junction solar cell device and methods for forming the reverse p-n junction solar cell device are described. A variety of n-p junction and reverse p-n junction solar cell devices and related methods of manufacturing are provided. N-intrinsic-p junction and reverse p-intrinsic-n junction solar cell devices are also described.

Abstract: Methods and structures for extracting at least one electric parametric value from a back contact solar cell having dual level metallization are provided.

Abstract: A backside illumination (BSI) CMOS image sensing process includes the following steps. A substrate having an active side is provided. A curving process is performed to curve the active side. A reflective layer is formed on the active side, so that at least a curved mirror is formed on the active side.

Abstract: A surface of a photovoltaic cell is coated with a solution that includes barium titanate to reduce reflection of sunlight that is incident on the surface. The solution may include a base of polydimethylsiloxane and carbon nanotubes. The process may be used in the fabrication of new photovoltaic cell assemblies, or to retrofit existing assemblies in situ.

Abstract: Back junction solar cells having improved emitter layer coverage and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment, a back junction solar cell includes an n-type base layer having an emitter layer formed from a first p-type doped region (e.g., formed by liquid phase epitaxial regrowth) and a second p-type doped region (e.g., formed by ion implantation) that extends beyond the first region. In various embodiments, this configuration permits the first p-type doped region to be formed with a border between it and the edges of the wafer (e.g., to prevent inadvertent shunting of the cell), while the second p-type doped region extends the emitter layer to improve emitter layer coverage. In certain embodiments, the second doped p-type region may extend to the edges of the wafer's n-type base layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical reflector including an alternating stack of at least one first layer of complex refraction index n1 and at least one second layer of complex refraction index n2, in which the first layer includes semiconductor nanocrystals, including the following steps: calculation of the total number of layers of the stack, of the thicknesses of each of the layers and of the values of complex refraction indices n1 and n2 on the basis of the characteristics of a desired spectral reflectivity window of the optical reflector, including the use of an optical transfer matrices calculation method; calculation of deposition and annealing parameters of the layers on the basis of the total number of layers and of the values of previously calculated complex refraction indices n1 and n2; deposition and annealing of the layers in accordance with the previously calculated parameters.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device with a novel anti-reflection structure. In the photoelectric conversion device, a front surface of a semiconductor substrate which serves as a light-receiving surface is covered with a group of whiskers (a group of nanowires) so that surface reflection is reduced. In other words, a semiconductor layer which has a front surface where crystals grow so that whiskers are formed is provided on the light-receiving surface side of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor layer has a given uneven structure, and thus has effects of reducing reflection on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and increasing conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A method for making an imager device including the implementation of the steps of: making, through a layer of electric insulating material within which are made one or more pixels each including an antenna able to pick up an electromagnetic wave received at said pixel, of an aperture forming an access to a layer of sacrificial material provided between the layer of electric insulating material and a reflective layer able to reflect said electromagnetic wave; removing part of the layer of sacrificial material through the aperture, forming between the reflective layer and the layer of electric insulating material at least one optical cavity.

Abstract: High performance photovoltaic devices are provided. Certain embodiments relate to the use of Boron-Nitride (BN) thin films as anti-reflection coating (ARC) material on Si and GaAs solar cells. A low and wide reflectance window covering a large energy range of the solar spectrum is available. For a large part of the useful solar spectrum, the index of refraction of the grown BN thin films remains constant at about 2.8. In another embodiment, a BN ARC is applied directly on ordinary window glass providing the device's mechanical strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are configurations of long-range ordered features of solar cell materials, and methods for forming same. Some features include electrical access openings through a backing layer to a photovoltaic material in the solar cell. Some features include textured features disposed adjacent a surface of a solar cell material. Typically the long-range ordered features are formed by ablating the solar cell material with a laser interference pattern from at least two laser beams.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid-state image sensor, comprising preparing a semiconductor substrate including a photoelectric converter and an insulating film which includes an opening and is formed in a region above the photoelectric converter, depositing a material having a refractive index higher than the insulating film in the opening, and annealing the material deposited in the opening by irradiating the material with one of light and radiation, wherein a light waveguide which is configured to guide an incident light to the photoelectric converter is formed through the depositing and the annealing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes: first and second semiconductor layers, a light emitting part, and an In-containing layer. The first semiconductor layer is formed on a silicon substrate via a foundation layer. The light emitting part is provided on the first semiconductor layer, and includes barrier layers and a well layer provided between the barrier layers including Ga1?z1Inz1N (0<z1?1). The second semiconductor layer is provided on the light emitting part. The In-containing layer is provided at at least one of first and second positions. The first position is between the first semiconductor layer and the light emitting part. The second position is between the second semiconductor layer and the light emitting part. The In-containing layer includes In with a composition ratio different from the In composition ratio z1 and has a thickness 10 nm to 1000 nm.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell includes a first substrate, a transparent conductive layer on an inner surface of the first substrate, the transparent conductive layer having an uneven top surface and including through-holes, a light-absorbing layer on the transparent conductive layer, a reflection electrode on the light-absorbing layer, a second substrate facing and attached with the first substrate, and a polymeric material layer on an inner surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates to a microbolometer array for thermal detection of light radiation in a given spectral band, comprising a supporting substrate and an array of microbolometers (300) of given dimensions, arranged in an array. Each of said microbolometers comprises a membrane (301) suspended above said supporting substrate, said membrane consisting of an element (305) for absorbing the incident radiation and a thermometric element (304) in thermal contact with the absorber, electrically insulated from said absorber element. The absorber element comprises at least one first metal/insulator/metal (MIM) structure comprising a multilayer of three superposed films of submicron-order thickness i.e. a first metallic film (311), a dielectric film (310), and a second metallic film (309), said MIM structure being able to have a resonant absorption of said incident radiation at at least one wavelength in said spectral band.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method of a solid-state image pickup device according to an embodiment, a transfer gate electrode is formed in a predetermined position on an upper surface of a first conductive semiconductor area, through a gate insulating film. A second conductive charge storage area is formed in an area adjacent to the transfer gate electrode in the first conductive semiconductor area. A sidewall is formed on a side surface of the transfer gate electrode. An insulating film is formed to extend from a circumference surface of the sidewall on a side of the charge storage area to a position partially covering the upper part of the charge storage area. A first conductive charge storage layer is formed in the charge storage area by implanting first conductive impurities from above, into the charge storage area which is partially covered with the insulating film.

Abstract: In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is disclosed a manufacture method of an antireflection coating using a self-assembly nano structure, which includes forming a first metal droplet on a substrate by means of droplet epitaxy, depositing a first non-metal on the formed first metal droplet, and forming a first nano compound crystal by means of self-assembly of the deposited first non-metal and the first metal droplet.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a solar cell includes forming a front contact layer over a substrate, and the front contact layer is optically transparent at specified wavelengths and electrically conductive. A first scribed area is scribed through the front contact layer to expose a portion of the substrate. A buffer layer doped with an n-type dopant is formed over the front contact layer and the first scribed area. An absorber layer doped with a p-type dopant is formed over the buffer layer. A back contact layer that is electrically conductive is formed over the absorber layer.

Abstract: Substrates for solar cells are prepared by etching a plurality of metallurgical grade wafers; depositing aluminum layer on backside of each wafer; depositing a layer of hydrogenated silicon nitride on front surface of each wafer; annealing the wafers at elevated temperature; removing the hydrogenated silicon nitride without disturbing the aluminum layer. A solar cell is then fabricated on the front surface of the wafer while the aluminum remain to serve as the back contact of the cell.

Abstract: A manufacturing method forms a photoelectric conversion device having a photoreceiving portion provided in a substrate and an interlayer film arranged over the substrate. The method includes forming a layer of a lower etching rate rather than the interlayer film so that the layer of the lower etching rate covers a whole surface of the photoreceiving portion, forming the interlayer film over the layer of the lower etching rate, etching a portion of the interlayer film corresponding to the photoreceiving portion to form a hole penetrating through the interlayer film and reaching the layer of the lower etching rate, and disposing in the hole a material of a higher refractive index rather than the interlayer film.

Abstract: Provided are an avalanche photodiode and a method of fabricating the same. The method of fabricating the avalanche photodiode includes sequentially forming a compound semiconductor absorption layer, a compound semiconductor grading layer, a charge sheet layer, a compound semiconductor amplification layer, a selective wet etch layer, and a p-type conductive layer on an n-type substrate through a metal organic chemical vapor deposition process.

Abstract: A flexible, CPV array having high incident light conversion efficiency, the CPV array comprising: a reflective surface; a plurality of photovoltaic cells configurable to collect radiation from the reflective surface; a concentrating lens (optics) configurable to concentrate the incident light onto the reflective surface and onto the plurality of photovoltaic cells; and a conductor adapted to conduct electricity and heat from the plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein the CPV array is exposed to incident solar radiation to generate electricity without an incident solar tracking mechanism.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a chip package which includes: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; an optoelectronic device formed in the substrate; a conducting layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the conducting layer is electrically connected to the optoelectronic device; an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the conducting layer; a first light shielding layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate; and a second light shielding layer disposed on the first light shielding layer and directly contacting with the first light shielding layer, wherein a contact interface is between the first light shielding layer and the second light shielding layer.

Abstract: A Schottky-barrier-reducing layer is provided between a p-doped semiconductor layer and a transparent conductive material layer of a photovoltaic device. The Schottky-barrier-reducing layer can be a conductive material layer having a work function that is greater than the work function of the transparent conductive material layer. The conductive material layer can be a carbon-material layer such as a carbon nanotube layer or a graphene layer. Alternately, the conductive material layer can be another transparent conductive material layer having a greater work function than the transparent conductive material layer. The reduction of the Schottky barrier reduces the contact resistance across the transparent material layer and the p-doped semiconductor layer, thereby reducing the series resistance and increasing the efficiency of the photovoltaic device.

Abstract: Provided is a broadband photomixer technology that is a core to generate continuous frequency variable and pulsed terahertz waves. It is possible to enhance light absorptance by applying the transmittance characteristic of a 2D light crystal structure and it is possible to increase the generation efficiency of terahertz waves accordingly. Moreover, it is possible to implement a wide area array type terahertz photomixer by applying an interdigit structure and spatially properly arranging a light crystal structure having various cycles. Accordingly, it is possible to solve difficulty in thermal characteristic and light alignment by mitigating the high light density of a light absorption unit and low photoelectric conversion efficiency is drastically improved. In addition, the radiation pattern of terahertz waves may be electrically controlled through the present invention.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a semi-conductive substrate, a doping layer, an anti-reflection layer, an electrode, a passivation stacked layer and a contact layer. The semi-conductive substrate has a front and a back surface. The doping layer is disposed on the front surface. The anti-reflection layer is disposed on the doping layer. The electrode is disposed on the anti-reflection layer and electrically connected to the doping layer. The passivation stacked layer is disposed on the back surface and has a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer and a middle dielectric layer sandwiched between the first and the second dielectric layer. The dielectric constant of the middle dielectric layer is substantially lower than the dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer and the dielectric constant of the second dielectric layer. The contact layer covers the passivation stacked layer and electrically contacts with the back surface of the semi-conductive substrate.