Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Optel Corporation

Refac Electronics Corporation

Joseph Reichman

Horst Witzke

Schoen-nan Chen

Satyendra K Deb

Michael A Russak

Steven Robert Jost

A surface state photodiode is used as the photosensitive element for a Spatial Light Modulator, which includes a liquid crystal layer. The surface of the photodiode which faces the liquid crystal layer has formed thereon surface states, by means of adsorption of foreign molecules to create a depletion layer, thereby effecting a high dark impedance region. Such a Spatial Light Modulator provides for a high resolution image and simplicity in manufacture.

Spatial light modulator using surface state photodiodes

Photoelectrochemical cell structures and methods of fabrication are disclosed which provide for easily manufactured efficient energy conversion devices. The structures incorporate one or more chambers for the electrolyte, and utilize semiconductor photoelectrodes. In the plural chamber structure, the semiconductor may be opaque, and need not necessarily be a thin film. Specific dopants for the semiconductor provide for decreased dark current and increased open circuit voltage. Post deposition treatment is disclosed for the semiconductor to provide an increased shorting current. Increased sputtering wattage is provided to increase the short circuit current available from the cell. An electrolyte composition is described having improved performance at high light intensity.

Method of manufacturing photoelectrochemical cell

Photoelectrochemical cell structures and methods of fabricaton are disclosed which provide for easily manufactured efficient energy conversion devices. The structures incorporate one or more chambers for the electrolyte, and utilize semiconductor photoelectrodes. In the plural chamber structure, the semiconductor may be opaque, and need not necessarily be a thin film. Specific dopants for the semiconductor provide for decreased dark current and increased open circuit voltage. Post deposition treatment is disclosed for the semiconductor to provide an increased shorting current. Increased sputtering wattage is provided to increase the short circuit current available from the cell. An electrolyte composition is described having improved performance at high light intensity. In a multi-chamber embodiment, the electrode placement causes the photoactive site to be at an end of the chamber removed from the irradiation window, thereby permitting the use of non-transparent photoelectrodes. A third embodiment is disclosed including two photoelectrodes, in combination with a properly selected electrolyte, to provide response to two different portions of the spectrum at an increase operating efficiency. A method and apparatus is disclosed for utilizing a photoelectrochemical cell of the type provided in a dual role, both for electrical conversion of impinging radiation and for heat utilization resulting therefrom. Finally, a multi-chamber, multi-electrolyte structure is disclosed providing electrical charge storage after termination of radiation.

Photoelectrochemical cell

A sealed device includes an electrode having a semiconductor thin film coating. A liquid electrolyte contacts the thin film to form a photoactive interface which converts light energy to electrical energy. A counterelectrode is positioned in spaced relation to the electrode and also contacts the electrolyte. Leads are connected to the electrode and counterelectrode so that a load may be driven by the device when the device is exposed to light.

Thin film photogalvanic cell

A photogalvanic cell includes a conducting SnO.sub.2 electrode upon which is deposited a semi-transparent film of Ti. A metal oxide thin film, such as TiO.sub.2 is in turn deposited upon the semi-transparent Ti thin film. An aqueous (acid or base) electrolyte contacts the metal oxide thin film to form a photoactive site for converting light to electrical energy. The semi-transparent film reduces the internal resistance of the cell by assisting charge transfer between the metal oxide film and the electrode. Also, use of a semi-transparent film permits bi-directional irradiation of the cell to increase photoconversion efficiency.

Growing community of inventors

Great Neck, NY, United States of America

Joseph Reichman