Kannan Ramanathan

Title: Kannan Ramanathan: Innovator in Solar Technology

Introduction

Kannan Ramanathan is a notable inventor based in San Jose, California, recognized for his contributions to solar technology. He holds two patents that focus on methods for forming copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) films and cadmium-free solar cells. His innovative approaches aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of photovoltaic devices.

Latest Patents

Ramanathan's latest patents include "Methods of forming CIGS films" and "Method and device for cadmium-free solar cells." The first patent outlines a method for forming a CIGS film that involves a precursor step, where Cu, In, Ga, Se, and Sb are simultaneously evaporated onto a substrate. This method ensures that selenium is incident on the substrate at a rate of at least 20 Å/s. Following this, a selenization step is performed, which involves evaporating selenium over the substrate after the precursor step. The second patent describes a method for fabricating a thin film photovoltaic device. This method includes providing a substrate with a thin film photovoltaic absorber containing copper, indium, gallium, selenium, and sulfur. The surface is subjected to a material containing a zinc species that is substantially free of cadmium, and the surface is heated to form a zinc-doped material.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Kannan Ramanathan has worked with several organizations, including Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC and Stion Corporation. His work has significantly contributed to advancements in solar technology, particularly in developing more efficient and environmentally friendly solar cells.

Collaborations

Ramanathan has collaborated with notable professionals in the field, including Lorelle Mansfield and Robert D Wieting. These collaborations have further enriched his research and development efforts in solar technology.

Conclusion

Kannan Ramanathan's innovative work in solar technology, particularly through his patents, showcases his commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions. His contributions are vital in the ongoing quest for more efficient and environmentally friendly solar energy systems.