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Abstract

Disclosed is a thermophotovoltaic converter which includes a parabolic cone radiation concentrator portion and a processor portion including a radiator which absorbs concentrated radiation and generates incandescent radiation. A photovoltaic cell in close proximity to the radiator receives the incandescent radiation and generates an electrical voltage. The cell includes an intrinsic or lightly doped silicon substrate having a top surface for receiving radiation and a bottom surface having a plurality of diffused N and P conductivity regions arranged in rows. A titanium-silver layer overlays the bottom surface and conductively interconnects regions of one conductivity type and provides a reflective surface to photons which pass through the substrate.

Other References

• B D. Wedlock, "Thermo-Photo-Voltaic Energy Conversion," Proceedings IEEE, May 1963, pp. 694-698
• C. W. Kim et al., "A P-I-N Thermophotovoltaic Diode," IEEE Trans. Electron Devices, vol. ED-16, pp. 657-663 (1969)
• General Motors Corp., "Study of a Thermophotovoltaic Converter," Final Report, Contract No. DA 36-039-AMC-02255(E), Feb. 1964
• R. J. Schwartz et al., "Thermophotovoltaic Cells," Final Report, Contract No. DAAB 07-72-c-0281 (Jun. 1974)