Palo Alto Research Center Inc.

Solfocus, Inc.

Hing Wah Chan

David Kirtland Fork

David G Duff

John Stuart Fitch

Scott Eugene Solberg

Michael C Weisberg

Harold Ackler

Eric R Prather

A system may include an optical element including a surface defining a recess, conductive material disposed within the recess, and a solder mask disposed over a portion of the conductive material. The solder mask may define an aperture through which light from the optical element may pass. Some aspects provide creation of an optical element including a surface defining a recess, deposition of conductive material on the surface such that a portion of the deposited conductive material is disposed within the recess, and substantial planarization of the surface to expose the portion of the conductive material disposed within the recess.

Metal trace fabrication for optical element

A system may include a solar cell, a support defining an opening over the solar cell and comprising a retention feature, and an optical element disposed within the opening. The optical element may include a location feature engaged with the retention feature of the support. In some aspects, the optical element includes an upper surface to receive concentrated light and a lower surface through which light passes to the solar cell, and the location feature is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The retention feature may be a lip defining the opening over the solar cell, and/or the location feature may consist of a notch defined by an edge of the optical element.

Systems to retain an optical element on a solar cell

Growing community of inventors

San Jose, CA, United States of America

Hing Wah Chan