Contact Formation (i.e., Metallization) Patents (Class 438/98)
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Patent number: 12159759Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element including: first support; first electrode; electron-transporting layer; photoelectric conversion layer; hole-transporting layer; and second electrode, the hole-transporting layer including polymer including recurring unit of General Formula (1) below and compound of General Formula (2): where Ar1 represents aromatic hydrocarbon, which may have substituent; Ar2 and Ar3 each independently represent bivalent group of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, non-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, or condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, which may have substituent; Ar4 represents bivalent group of benzene, thiophene, biphenyl, anthracene, or naphthalene, which may have substituent; R1 to R4 each independently represent hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl; and n represents integer that is 2 or more and allows the polymer of General Formula (1) to have weight average molecular weight of 2,000 or more; and where R5 to R9, which may be identical or different, represent hydrType: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tamotsu Horiuchi, Nozomu Tamoto, Yuuji Tanaka, Naomichi Kanei, Takahiro Ide
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Patent number: 12148856Abstract: A solar cell, a manufacturing method therefor, and a photovoltaic module are provided. The solar cell includes a substrate having a front surface and a rear surface, a passivation stack disposed on the front surface, and a tunneling oxide layer and a doped conductive layer disposed on the rear surface. The passivation stack includes an oxygen-containing dielectric layer, a first passivation layer and a second passivation layer. The first passivation layer includes a first interface adjacent to the oxygen-containing dielectric layer and a second interface adjacent to the second passivation layer, the second passivation layer includes a third interface opposite to the second interface, a nitrogen content and a silicon content at the second interface are higher than those at the first interface and the third interface, respectively, and an oxygen content at the second interface is lower than that at the first interface and the third interface, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2021Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignees: Shanghai Jinko Green Energy Enterprise Management Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Jinko Solar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jialei Chai, Ding Yu, Shijie Zhao, Xiaowen Zhang, Wenqi Li, Jie Yang, Xinyu Zhang, Hao Jin
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Patent number: 12119218Abstract: A method for protecting a surface of a substrate during processing includes a) providing a solution forming a co-polymer having a ceiling temperature; b) dispensing the solution onto a surface of the substrate to form a sacrificial protective layer, wherein the co-polymer is kinetically trapped to allow storage at a temperature above the ceiling temperature; c) exposing the substrate to ambient conditions for a predetermined period; and d) de-polymerizing the sacrificial protective layer by using stimuli selected from a group consisting of ultraviolet (UV) light and heat.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Stephen M. Sirard, Ratchana Limary, Yang Pan, Diane Hymes
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Patent number: 12089485Abstract: Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells, hybrid solar cell-batteries, and other such devices may include an active layer disposed between two electrodes, the active layer having perovskite material and other material such as mesoporous material, interfacial layers, thin-coat interfacial layers, and combinations thereof. The perovskite material may be photoactive. The perovskite material may be disposed between two or more other materials in the photovoltaic device. Inclusion of these materials in various arrangements within an active layer of a photovoltaic device may improve device performance. Other materials may be included to further improve device performance, such as, for example: additional perovskites, and additional interfacial layers.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: CubicPV Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Irwin, Vivek V. Dhas
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Patent number: 12048161Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic device includes forming a first source layer including a trench, forming a first sacrificial layer in the trench, forming a first structure over the first source layer, wherein the first structure includes first material layers and second material layers which are alternately stacked over the each other, forming first openings passing through the first structure and extending to the first sacrificial layer, forming first channel layers in the first openings, forming a slit passing through the first structure and extending to the first sacrificial layer, forming a second opening by removing the first sacrificial layer through the slit, and forming a second source layer in the second opening, wherein the second source layer is coupled to the first channel layers.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2023Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Ki Hong Lee, Ji Yeon Baek, Seung Ho Pyi
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Patent number: 11973162Abstract: A manufacturing method for a flexible silicon-based cell module is provided. Specifically, cell units of a silicon-based solar cell structure are arranged and adhered to a connecting strip to form a cell string, wherein a gap is left between two adjacent cell units. The cell units in cell strings are connected in series and parallel by an interconnected bar, wherein a gap is left between two adjacent cell strings. Hard protection units adapted to the size and specification of the cell units are respectively attached to the cell units. A plurality of cell strings are connected to each other in series and parallel to form a cell assembly. A panel made of flexible material is selected to package the cell assembly to form the flexible cell module. The cell module has an excellent rollable performance and a flexible expansion, a light weight, and a small size.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: GOLDEN SOLAR (QUANZHOU) NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Hsin-wang Chiu
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Patent number: 11972988Abstract: A solar cell includes a layer stack that has at least one substrate, at least one doped region and at least one metallization structure. A sensor is integrated in this layer stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÖRDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.Inventors: Andreas Beinert, Ulrich Eitner
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Patent number: 11967554Abstract: Semiconductor devices includes a first interlayer insulating layer, a lower interconnection line in the first interlayer insulating layer, an etch stop layer on the first interlayer insulating layer and the lower interconnection line, a second interlayer insulating layer on the etch stop layer, and an upper interconnection line in the second interlayer insulating layer. The upper interconnection line includes a via portion extending through the etch stop layer and contacting the lower interconnection line. The via portion includes a barrier pattern and a conductive pattern. The barrier pattern includes a first barrier layer between the conductive pattern and the second interlayer insulating layer, and a second barrier layer between the conductive pattern and the lower interconnection line. A resistivity of the first barrier layer is greater than that of the second barrier layer. A nitrogen concentration of the first barrier layer is greater than that of the second barrier layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2022Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jongjin Lee, Kyungwook Kim, Rakhwan Kim, Seungyong Yoo, Eun-Ji Jung
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Patent number: 11967657Abstract: Approaches for the foil-based metallization of solar cells and the resulting solar cells are described. In an example, a solar cell includes a substrate. A plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions is disposed in or above the substrate. A conductive contact structure is disposed above the plurality of alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. The conductive contact structure includes a plurality of metal seed material regions providing a metal seed material region disposed on each of the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions. A metal foil is disposed on the plurality of metal seed material regions, the metal foil having anodized portions isolating metal regions of the metal foil corresponding to the alternating N-type and P-type semiconductor regions.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Gabriel Harley, Taeseok Kim, Richard Hamilton Sewell, Michael Morse, David D. Smith, Matthieu Moors, Jens-Dirk Moschner
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Patent number: 11965238Abstract: Methods for selective deposition of metal oxide films on metal or metallic surfaces relative to oxide surfaces are provided. An oxide surface of a substrate may be selectively passivated relative to the metal or metallic surface, such as by exposing the substrate to a silylating agent. A metal oxide is selectively deposited from vapor phase reactants on the metal or metallic surface relative to the passivated oxide surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.Inventors: Andrea Illiberi, Michael Eugene Givens, Shaoren Deng, Giuseppe Alessio Verni
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Patent number: 11949037Abstract: Local patterning and metallization of semiconductor structures using a laser beam, e.g., micro-electronic devices, semiconductor substrates and/or solar cells, are described. For example, a method of fabricating a solar cell includes providing a substrate having an intervening layer thereon. The method also includes locating a metal foil over the intervening layer. The method also includes exposing the metal foil to a laser beam, wherein exposing the metal foil to the laser beam forms openings in the intervening layer and forms a plurality of conductive contact structures electrically connected to portions of the substrate exposed by the openings.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Maxeon Solar Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Pei Hsuan Lu, Benjamin I. Hsia, Taeseok Kim
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Patent number: 11925038Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic device comprises a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell, the second sub-cell overlying the first sub-cell such that incident light passes through the second sub-cell before the first sub-cell. The light-receiving surface of the second sub-cell comprises a layer of a transparent conductive material and one or more metal tracks extending in a first direction and in contact with the layer of transparent conductive material. A layer of electrically insulating material is provided on the light receiving surface of the second sub-cell located under one end of the one or more metal tracks at an edge of the device, and an electrically conductive pad is provided over the layer of electrical insulator and in electrical contact with the one or more metal tracks to provide electrical contact to an external circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Oxford Photovoltaics Ltd.Inventors: Thomas Sebastien, James Leslie Best, James Denziel Watts
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Patent number: 11791425Abstract: A preparation method for a solar cell back electrode and an application thereof are provided. The method comprises setting a back electrode barrier layer and using back-side silver paste in coordination. The back electrode barrier layer comprises the following components: 20 to 80 parts by weight of metal nitride powder, nitrogen-silicon compound powder, oxide powder or low-melting-point metal powder in total; 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of lead-free glass powder; 10 to 40 parts by weight of organic carrier; and 0.1 to 1 part by weight of organic additives. The back-side silver paste comprises the following components: 5 to 60 parts by weight of hollow spherical silver powder; 5 to 30 parts by weight of flaky silver powder; 0.5 to 5 parts by weight of lead-free glass powder; 10 to 50 part by weight of organic binder; and 0.1 to 1 part by weight of organic additives.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: NANTONG T-SUN NEW ENERGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Peng Zhu
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Patent number: 11772136Abstract: A method for particle abatement in a wafer processing tool implements at least one cleaning-purposed mobile electrostatic carrier (MESC) including electrostatic field generating (EFG) circuits. Each EFG circuit is charged with the cleaning-purposed MESC. The cleaning-purposed MESC is then loaded into the wafer processing tool in a facedown orientation. A normal-purposed MESC is loaded into the wafer processing tool in a faceup orientation. Next, foreign materials are bonded to the cleaning-purposed MESC as the cleaning-purposed MESC is moved along a processing path through the wafer processing tool in the facedown orientation. The normal-purposed MESC travels the processing path during normal operation of the wafer processing tool in the faceup orientation. The cleaning-purposed MESC is then unloaded from the wafer processing tool. Next, the foreign materials are debonded from the cleaning-purposed MESC by discharging each EFG circuit with the cleaning-purposed MESC.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Inventor: Eryn Smith
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Patent number: 11742440Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an all-back-contact photovoltaic device that includes, in order, a substrate, a first electrode having a first surface, an insulator, a second electrode having a second surface, and an active material, where the insulator and the second electrode form a cavity, the active material substantially fills the cavity and is in physical contact with the first surface and the second surface, the insulator includes a first layer and a second layer with the second layer positioned between the first layer and the second contact, and the first layer is constructed of a first material that is different than a second material used to construct the second layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLCInventors: Kevin Joseph Prince, Colin Andrew Wolden, Lance Michael Wheeler
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Patent number: 11742441Abstract: A flexible and rollable back-contact solar cell module, wherein a length of it can be extended infinitely and the back-contact solar cell module includes a plurality of large cell blocks connected in series or in parallel. The large cell block includes a plurality of small cell strings connected in series or in parallel. The small cell string includes a plurality of small square cell pieces connected in series or in parallel. The series-connection or the parallel-connection between the large cell blocks, the small cell strings, or the small square cell pieces is achieved by welding a flexible interconnected bar in the horizontal or vertical direction. Electrodes of the small square cell pieces are all on a back side and the small square cell pieces are formed by cutting a back-contact solar cell. A protective layer is attached to a surface of a light-receiving side by using an adhesive layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: GOLDEN SOLAR (QUANZHOU) NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Hsin-Wang Chiu
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Patent number: 11676899Abstract: Embedded packaging for high voltage, high temperature operation of power semiconductor devices is disclosed, wherein a semiconductor die is embedded in a dielectric body comprising a dielectric polymer composition characterized by a conductivity transition temperature Tc, a first activation energy EaLow for conduction in a temperature range below Tc, and a second activation energy EaHigh for conduction in a temperature range above Tc. A test methodology is disclosed for selecting a dielectric epoxy composition having values of Tc, EaLow, and EaHigh that provide a conduction value below a required reliability threshold, e.g. ?5×10?13 S/cm, for a specified operating voltage and temperature. For example, the power semiconductor device comprises a GaN HEMT rated for operation at ?100V wherein the package body is formed from a laminated dielectric epoxy composition for operation at >150 C, wherein Tc is ?75 C, EaLow is ?0.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: GaN Systems Inc.Inventor: Thomas Macelwee
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Patent number: 11678487Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic device includes forming a first source layer including a trench, forming a first sacrificial layer in the trench, forming a first structure over the first source layer, wherein the first structure includes first material layers and second material layers which are alternately stacked over the each other, forming first openings passing through the first structure and extending to the first sacrificial layer, forming first channel layers in the first openings, forming a slit passing through the first structure and extending to the first sacrificial layer, forming a second opening by removing the first sacrificial layer through the slit, and forming a second source layer in the second opening, wherein the second source layer is coupled to the first channel layers.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Ki Hong Lee, Ji Yeon Baek, Seung Ho Pyi
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Patent number: 11227995Abstract: A ReRAM device manufactured using 2-D Si2Te3 (silicon telluride) nanowires or nanoplates. The Si2Te3 nanowires exhibit a unique reversible resistance switching behavior driven by an applied electrical potential, which leads to switching of the NWs from a high-resistance state (HRS) to a low-resistance state (LRS). This switched LRS is highly stable unless the opposite potential is applied to switch the resistance back. This provides a new class of resistive switching based on semiconductor rather than dielectric materials. In several embodiments, the polarity of the initially applied potential along the Si2Te3 nanowires defines the switch “on” and “off” directions, which become permanent once set.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Inventors: Jingbiao Cui, Keyue Wu, Jiyang Chen, Xiao Shen
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Patent number: 11205619Abstract: Embodiments of bonded semiconductor structures and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. In an example, a semiconductor device includes a first and a second semiconductor structures. The first semiconductor structure includes a first interconnect layer including first interconnects. At least one first interconnect is a first dummy interconnect. The first semiconductor structure further includes a first bonding layer including first bonding contacts. Each first interconnect is in contact with a respective first bonding contact. The second semiconductor structure includes a second interconnect layer including second interconnects. At least one second interconnect is a second dummy interconnect. The second semiconductor structure further includes a second bonding layer including second bonding contacts. Each second interconnect is in contact with a respective second bonding contact. The semiconductor device further includes a bonding interface between the first and second bonding layers.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Tao Wang, Si Ping Hu, Jia Wen Wang, Shi Qi Huang, Jifeng Zhu, Jun Chen, Zi Qun Hua
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Patent number: 11107942Abstract: A method is described that includes sputtering multiple layers on a back surface of the photovoltaic structure, the photovoltaic structure being made of at least one group III-V semiconductor material, and evaporating, over the multiple layers, one or more additional layers including a metal layer, the back metal structure being formed by the multiple layers and the additional layers. A photovoltaic device is also described that includes a back metal structure disposed over a back surface of a photovoltaic structure made of a group III-V semiconductor material, the back metal structure including one or more evaporated layers disposed over multiple sputtered layers, the one or more evaporated layers including a metal layer. By allowing evaporation along with sputtering, tool size and costs can be reduced, including minimizing a number of vacuum breaks. Moreover, good yield and reliability, such as reducing dark line defects (DLDs), can also be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: UTICA LEASECO, LLCInventors: Octavi Santiago Escala Semonin, Reto Adrian Furler, Hasti Majidi, Kirsten Sydney Hessler
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Patent number: 10741716Abstract: A wire processing apparatus for a tabbing apparatus is provided. The wire processing apparatus for a tabbing apparatus has: a wire supplying device cutting a wire to a predetermined length; a cell conveying device, on which the wire and a cell are placed, and which conveys the wire and the cell in a conveyance direction; and a wire transferring device receiving the wire from the wire supplying device and transferring the wire to the cell conveying device. The cell is placed on the wire in the state where the wire transferring device grips the wire placed on the cell conveying device.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: ZEUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Byeong Su Lee, Young Ik Park, Dong Jin Chung, Shin Il Oh
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Patent number: 10686083Abstract: A method of manufacturing a finger electrode for a solar cell includes printing a conductive paste on a front surface of a substrate using a printing mask having an opening rate of 65% or more, and baking the printed conductive paste. The conductive paste may include a conductive powder, a glass frit, and an organic vehicle, and the conductive powder may include a first conductive powder having a particle diameter (D50) of about 0.1 ?m to about 1.5 ?m and a second conductive powder having a particle diameter (D50) of greater than 1.5 ?m to about 5 ?m, and the conductive powder as a whole has a particle diameter (D10) of about 0.5 ?m or less.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong Il Shin, Seok Hyun Jung
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Patent number: 10580926Abstract: A multi-junction solar cell comprising a high-crystalline silicon solar cell and a high-crystalline germanium solar cell. The high-crystalline silicon solar including a first p-doped layer and a n+ layer and the high-crystalline germanium solar cell including a second p layer and a heavily doped layer. The multi-junction solar cell can also be comprised of a heavily doped silicon layer on a non-light receiving back surface of the high-crystalline germanium solar cell and a tunnel junction between the high-crystalline silicon solar cell and the high-crystalline germanium solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Anirban Basu, Bahman Hekmatshoartabari, Davood Shahrjerdi
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Patent number: 10497819Abstract: An efficient back surface field paste for used crystalline silicon solar cells and its preparation method include Paste A and Paste B. Paste A comprises by weight: 50-60% aluminum powder, 2-6% inorganic binder, 10-20% organic binder, 16-26% organic solvent and 2-8% additives, and the sum of weight percentages of each component is 100%. Paste B comprises by weight: 85-90% aluminum powder, 0.1-1% inorganic binder, 1-5% organic binder, 2-8% organic solvent and 1-3% additives, and the sum of weight percentages of each component is 100%.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: NANTONG T-SUN NEW ENERGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Peng Zhu
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Patent number: 10475946Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes: forming a conductive thin film layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming an insulating film on the conductive thin film layer; forming a conductive thin film layer exposed portion by removing a part of the insulating film; forming a plating film in the conductive thin film layer exposed portion; and removing the insulating film and the conductive thin film layer in an area not overlapping the plating film, wherein the plating film formed in the forming of a plating film is formed to cover the insulating film.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keiichiro Masuko, Yasufumi Tsunomura
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Patent number: 10453975Abstract: Photovoltaic device includes a wafer, wherein it comprises a plurality of discontinuous first conductors oriented in a first direction, which conductors are interrupted in interconnection zones, and in that at least one second conductor electrically connects the first conductors to one another in the interconnection zones, and in that it includes at least one metal strip or braid fastened to at least one electrical conductor, this at least one metal strip or braid including fastening zones in which it is mechanically and electrically connected to an electrical conductor and non-connected zones in which the metal strip or braid is not mechanically fastened to an electrical conductor.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Armand Bettinelli, Eric Pilat
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Patent number: 10439079Abstract: A method of manufacturing a finger electrode for a solar cell including printing a conductive paste on one surface of a substrate using a print mask having an aperture ratio of about 65% or more, and baking the printed conductive paste. The conductive paste includes a conductive powder, a glass frit, and an organic vehicle. The organic vehicle includes a solvent having a vapor pressure of about 0.1 Pa to about 500 Pa at room temperature and a flash point of about 90° C. to about 150° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Hee Park, Sang Jin Kim, Jae Hwi Cho
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Patent number: 10424685Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes forming an emitter layer on a first surface of a substrate, forming a back surface field layer on a second surface opposite the first surface of the substrate, forming a first anti-reflection layer on the emitter layer, forming a second anti-reflection layer on the back surface field layer, and forming a plurality of first electrodes each including a first metal seed layer and a first conductive layer on a plurality of first contact regions of the first anti-reflection film and a plurality of second electrodes each including a second metal seed layer and a second conductive layer on a plurality of second contact regions of the second anti-reflection film, the plurality of first contact regions being partially formed at the first anti-reflection layer and each having a first width.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Goohwan Shim, Changseo Park, Philwon Yoon, Yoonsil Jin, Jinsung Kim, Youngho Choe, Jaewon Chang
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Patent number: 10411058Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a silicon layer including first and second semiconductor regions; an insulator film, on the silicon layer, having first and second holes positioned on the first and second semiconductor regions; a first metal portion containing a first metal element in the first hole; a first conductor portion containing a second metal element between the first metal portion and the first semiconductor region; a first silicide region containing the second metal element between the first conductor portion and the first semiconductor region; a second metal portion containing the first metal element in the second hole; a second conductor portion containing the second metal element between the second metal portion and the second semiconductor region; and a second silicide region containing a third metal element between the second conductor portion and the second semiconductor region, wherein the first conductor portion thickness is greater than the second conductor portion thickness.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tsutomu Tange, Yukinobu Suzuki, Aiko Kato, Koji Hara, Takehito Okabe
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Patent number: 10411152Abstract: A bonding apparatus includes a heat source, a first plate, a second plate, and an actuation mechanism. The first plate is coupled to the heat source. The first and second plates are thermally conductive and configured to cover an entire solar cell. The actuation mechanism moves the bonding apparatus between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the first plate and the second plate contact opposite surfaces of the solar cell. The second plate is configured to dissipate heat such that the second plate has a lower temperature than the first plate when in the closed position. The first plate and the second plate apply a force to the solar cell, the force at a first end of the solar cell being different than at a second end of the solar cell when the bonding apparatus is in or moving to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Merlin Solar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kent Riley Child, Jesse Dam, Arthur Rudin, Gopal Prabhu, Venkatesan Murali
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Patent number: 10373726Abstract: A highly filled back surface field aluminum paste for point contacts in PERC cells and its preparation method include dissolving ethyl cellulose in organic solvent, stirring under a certain temperature to prepare a homogeneous and transparent organic carrier, adding aluminum powder, nanosized aluminum-boron-antimony alloy powder and auxiliary additive, and three-roller grinding, comprising 70-85 parts by weight of aluminum powder, 1-5 parts by weight of nanosized aluminum-boron-antimony alloy powder, 10-25 parts by weight of organic carrier, 0.1-6 parts by weight of inorganic binder and 0.01-1 part by weight of auxiliary additive.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: NANTONG T-SUN NEW ENERGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Peng Zhu
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Patent number: 10312396Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes: forming a conductive thin film layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming an insulating film on the conductive thin film layer; forming a conductive thin film layer exposed portion by removing a part of the insulating film; forming a plating film in the conductive thin film layer exposed portion; and removing the insulating film and the conductive thin film layer in an area not overlapping the plating film, wherein the plating film formed in the forming of a plating film is formed to cover the insulating film.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Keiichiro Masuko, Yasufumi Tsunomura
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Patent number: 10304804Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods, including a device including a substrate comprising a semiconductor, the substrate including a front side comprising active elements and a backside opposite the front side. The device includes a dielectric layer on the backside, and a passive component on the dielectric layer on the backside. In certain embodiments, the passive device is formed on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM). Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: INTEL CORPORATIONInventors: Fay Hua, Telesphor Kamgaing, Johanna M. Swan
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Patent number: 10290601Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bonded body in which a first body and a second body are bonded using a glass paste. The glass paste includes a crystallized glass frit (A) and a solvent (B). A remelting temperature of the crystallized glass frit (A) is higher than a crystallization temperature thereof which is higher than a glass transition temperature thereof. The method includes: applying the glass paste on at least one of the first and second bodies, bonding the first and second bodies by interposing the glass paste therebetween, heating the bonded first and second bodies to a temperature that is not lower than the crystallization temperature and lower than the remelting temperature of the crystallized glass frit (A), and obtaining the bonded body by cooling the bonded first and second bodies to a temperature that is not higher than the glass transition temperature of the crystallized glass frit.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: NAMICS CORPORATIONInventors: Raymond Dietz, Cathy Shaw Trumble, Maciej Patelka, Akito Yoshii, Noriyuki Sakai, Hiroshi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10276738Abstract: A heterojunction photovoltaic cell includes at least one crystalline silicon oxide film directly placed onto one of the front or rear faces of a crystalline silicon substrate, between said substrate and a layer of amorphous or microcrystalline silicon. The thin film is intended to enable the passivation of said face of the substrate. The thin film is more particularly obtained by radically oxidizing a surface portion of the substrate, before depositing the layer of amorphous silicon. Moreover, a thin layer of intrinsic or microdoped amorphous silicon can be placed between said think film and the layer of amorphous or microcrystalline silicon.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Pierre Mur, Hubert Moriceau, Pierre-Jean Ribeyron
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Patent number: 10263029Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a first process for forming a first gate electrode for a first MOS transistor and a second gate electrode for a second MOS transistor on a substrate including a semiconductor region defined by an insulator region for element isolation, a second process for masking a portion located above the semiconductor region of the first gate electrode to introduce an impurity to a source-drain region of the first MOS transistor, and a third process for forming a first conductor member being in contact with the portion of the first gate electrode through a first hole disposed on an insulator member covering the substrate and a second conductor member being in contact with the second gate electrode through a second hole disposed on the insulator member.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mineo Shimotsusa, Masatsugu Itahashi, Yusuke Onuki, Nobuaki Kakinuma, Masato Fujita
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Patent number: 10224438Abstract: The invention provides an electroconductive paste comprising metallic particles, an inorganic reaction system, and an organic vehicle. The inorganic reaction system includes a lead-tellurium-magnesium composition of Formula (II): Pba—Teb—(Mgw—Cax—Sry—Baz)-Md-Oe, wherein 0<a, b, or d?1, 0?w, x, y, z?1, w+x+y+z=c, at least one of w, x, y and z is greater than zero, the sum of a, b, c and d is 1, 0<c?0.2, 0?d?0.5, a:b is between about 10:90 and about 90:10, (a+c+d):b is between about 10:90 and about 90:10, M is one or more elements, and e is a number sufficient to balance the Pb, Te, Mg—Ca—Sr—Ba and M components.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: HERAEUS PRECIOUS METALS NORTH AMERICA CONSHOHOCKEN, LLCInventors: Cuiwen Guo, Li Yan, Lei Wang
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Patent number: 10211350Abstract: A composition for solar cell electrodes and a solar cell electrode fabricated using the composition, the composition including a conductive powder; a glass frit; and an organic vehicle, wherein the glass frit has an initial crystallization temperature of about 300° C. to about 540° C., wherein the glass frit has an A value of about 0.0001 ?V/mg·° C. to about 0.2 ?V/mg·° C., as calculated by Equation 1: A = ? ? ? H ? ? ? T .Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Young Ki Park, Min Young Lee
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Patent number: 10170213Abstract: There is provided a silver powder, which is able to obtain a conductive paste having a high thixotropic ratio and a high Casson yield value and which is able to form a conductive pattern having a low resistance, and a method for producing the same. An aliphatic amine such as hexadecylamine is added to a silver powder, the surface of which is coated with a fatty acid such as stearic acid, to be stirred and mixed to form the aliphatic amine on the outermost surface of the silver powder while allowing the fatty acid to react with the aliphatic amine to form an aliphatic amide such as hexadecanamide between the fatty acid and the aliphatic amine.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Dowa Electronics Materials Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Michiaki, Hiroshi Kamiga
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Patent number: 10014420Abstract: A solar cell includes: a semiconductor substrate having a light-receiving surface and a back surface; a first-conductivity-type first semiconductor layer on the back surface; a second-conductivity-type second semiconductor layer on the back surface; a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer; a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer; and an insulating layer in a boundary region between a first-conductivity-type region of the first semiconductor layer and a second-conductivity-type region of the second semiconductor layer. The insulating layer has an inclined side surface adjacent the second-conductivity-type region inclined such that the thickness of the insulating layer decreases with decreasing distance from the second-conductivity-type region.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masato Shigematsu, Naofumi Hayashi
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Patent number: 9929299Abstract: Screen-printable metallization pastes for forming thin oxide tunnel junctions on the back-side surface of solar cells are disclosed. Interdigitated metal contacts can be deposited on the oxide tunnel junctions to provide all-back metal contact to a solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Zhejiang Kaiying New Materials Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mohamed M. Hilali
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Patent number: 9893229Abstract: A method for creating a photovoltaic cell, includes forming a first doped region in a semiconductor substrate having a first concentration of doping elements; forming, by ion implantation, alignment units, the largest size of which is smaller than one millimeter, and a second doped region, adjacent to the first region with a second concentration of doping elements; heat-treating the substrate to activate the doping elements and to form an oxide layer at the surface of the substrate, the second concentration and the heat treatment conditions being selected such that the oxide layer has a thickness above the alignment units that is larger, by at least 10 nm, than the thickness of the oxide layer above an area of the substrate adjacent to the alignment units; depositing an antireflection layer onto the oxide layer; and depositing an electrode onto the antireflection coating, through a screen, opposite the second region.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ÉNERGIE ATOMIQUIE ET AUX ÉNERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Jérôme Le Perchec, Rémi Monna
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Patent number: 9812477Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method the present disclosure relates to an integrated chip having an active pixel sensor with a gate dielectric protection layer that reduces damage to an underlying gate dielectric layer during fabrication, and an associated method of formation. In some embodiments, the integrated chip has a photodetector disposed within a substrate, and a gate structure located over the substrate. A gate dielectric protection layer is disposed over the substrate and extends from along a sidewall of the gate structure to a location overlying the photodetector. The gate dielectric protection layer has an upper surface that is vertically below an upper surface of the gate structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheng-Hsien Chou, Wen-I Hsu, Tsun-Kai Tsao, Chih-Yu Lai, Jiech-Fun Lu, Yeur-Luen Tu
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Patent number: 9796052Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a composite nanometal paste which is relatively low in price and is excellent in terms of bonding characteristics, thermal conductivity, and electrical property. The present invention is a copper-filler-containing composite nanometal paste that contains composite nanometal particles each comprising a metal core and an organic coating layer formed thereon. The metal paste contains a copper filler and contains, as binders, first composite nanometal particles and second composite nanometal particles which differ from the first composite nanometal particles in the thermal decomposition temperature of the organic coating layer, wherein the mass proportion W1 of the organic coating layer in the first composite nanometal particles is in the range of 2-13 mass %, the mass proportion W2 of the organic coating layer in the second composite nanometal particles is in the range of 5-25 mass %, and these particles satisfy the relationships W1.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignees: APPLIED NANOPARTICLE LABORATORY CORPORATION, SHINDENGEN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Teruo Komatsu, Ryo Matsubayashi
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Patent number: 9601648Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a pattern including: forming a trench structure on a substrate using an inkjet method; filling an interior portion of the trench structure with a filler; and removing the trench structure, and a pattern manufactured using the same, and a method of manufacturing a solar battery using the method of manufacturing a pattern and a solar battery manufactured using the same.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Yong-Sung Goo, Joon-Hyung Kim
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Patent number: 9570206Abstract: A solar cell can include a substrate and a semiconductor region disposed in or above the substrate. The solar cell can also include a conductive contact disposed on the semiconductor region with the conductive contact including a paste, a first metal, and a first conductive portion that includes a conductive alloy formed from the first metal at an interface of the substrate and the semiconductor region.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignees: SunPower Corporation, Total Marketing ServicesInventors: Richard Hamilton Sewell, Paul Loscutoff, Michel Arsène Olivier Ngamo Toko
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Patent number: 9515203Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes: forming a dopant layer by doping a dopant to a semiconductor substrate; and forming an electrode electrically connected to the dopant layer. The forming of the electrode includes forming a metal layer on the dopant layer; and heat-treating the metal layer to form a first layer and a second layer. In the heat-treating of the metal layer, a portion of the metal layer adjacent to the semiconductor substrate forms the first layer including a compound formed by a reaction of the metal layer and the semiconductor substrate, and a remaining portion of the metal layer forms the second layer that covers the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kisu Kim, Younghyun Lee, Sangwook Park
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Patent number: 9401441Abstract: A fabricating method of a back-illuminated image sensor includes the following steps. First, a silicon wafer having a first surface and a second surface is provided, wherein a number of trench isolations are formed in the first surface, and at least one image sensing member is formed between the trench isolations. Then, a first chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process is performed to the second surface using the trench isolations as a polishing stop layer to thin the silicon wafer. Because the polishing rate of the silicon material in the silicon wafer is different with that of the isolation material of the trench isolations in the first CMP process, at least one dishing depression is formed in the second surface of the silicon wafer. Finally, a microlens is formed above the dishing depression, and a surface of the microlens facing the dishing depression is a curved surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Tseng-Fei Wen
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Patent number: 9379258Abstract: Fabrication methods for making back contact back junction solar cells. A base dopant source, a field emitter dopant source, and an emitter dopant source are deposited on the back surface of a solar cell substrate. The solar cell substrate is annealed forming emitter contact regions corresponding to the emitter dopant source, field emitter regions corresponding to the field emitter dopant, and base contact regions corresponding to the base dopant source. The base dopant source, field emitter dopant source, and the emitter dopant source are etched. A backside passivation layer is deposited on the back surface of the solar cell. Contacts are opened to the emitter contact regions and the base contact regions through the backside passivation layer. Patterned base metallization and patterned emitter metallization is formed on the back surface of the solar cell with electrical interconnections to the base contact regions and the emitter contact regions.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Solexel, Inc.Inventors: Pawan Kapur, Anand Deshpande, Virendra V. Rana, Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Sean M. Seutter