High efficiency solar photovoltaic cells produced with inexpensive materials by processes suitable for large volume production

Patent 6541695 Issued on April 1, 2003. Estimated Expiration Date:

April 1, 2020. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

3230044

Process for making beta-zinc diphosphide monocrystals (whiskers) Patent #: 4692203
Issued on: 09/08/1987
Inventor: Betz , et al.

Inventor

Mowles, Thomas

Application

No. 947863 filed on 09/21/1992

US Classes:

136/252, Cells136/265, Copper, lead, or zinc containing257/431, Light257/613, INCLUDING SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL OTHER THAN SILICON OR GALLIUM ARSENIDE (GAAS) (E.G., PB X SN 1-X TE)257/E31.026, Including, apart from doping material or other impurity, only compound other than Group II-VI, III-V, and IV compound (EPO)257/E31.126Transparent conductive layer (e.g., transparent conductive oxide (TCO), indium tin oxide (ITO) layer) (EPO)

Examiners

Primary: Weisstuch, Aaron

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Frazzini; John A

International Classes

H01L 031/06
H01L 031/039.2

Abstract

A thin film, photovoltaic, solar energy conversion device comprising: a thin-film, photovoltaic layer; a transparent electrical conducting layer in contact with said photovoltaic layer; a back electrical conducting layer in contact with said photovoltaic layer; fabricated on a suitable substrate; said photovoltaic layer being of a material selected from the class consisting of: monoclinic zinc diphosphide (also referred to as beta zinc diphosphide and indicated by ଲ-ZnP2); copper diphosphide (CuP2); magnesium tetraphosphide (MgP4); gamma-iron tetraphosphide (γ-FeP4) and mixed crystals formed from these four materials. A thin film fabrication process is presented that produces high efficiency, low-cost photovoltaic layers of the above-indicated class.

Other References

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