Chronar Corp.

Zoltan J Kiss

Alan E Delahoy

Herbert A Weakliem

John E Van Dine

A photovoltaic laminate of different semiconductor layers for providing a wide range of photovoltaic characteristics. One of the layers is an amorphous semiconductor and at least one other of the layers is of crystalline particles. Additional semiconductor layers, both amorphous and non-amorphous, may be included. The amorphous layers have a thickness of about a few microns and the crystalline layers have a thickness above about 60 microns. The various semiconductor layers can include P, N and intrinsic regions. In accordance with a method aspect of the invention, the particulate layers are produced by blowing a molten semiconductor through a nozzle or by the spin coating of emulsions. The particles are desirably accompanied by a binder in the form of a silicate, an acrylic or a cycloaliphatic epoxy.

Wide ranging photovoltaic laminates comprising particulate semiconductors

Directed energy conversion of semiconductors by the directed energy fusion of a selective region of a semiconductor layer to provide a conductive path through the layer. A conductive path is formed through a semiconductive layer through opposed electrodes by conversion of the semiconductive region, for example, by laser energy applied to change the structure in the region extending between the electrodes. The change in conductivity of the path is monitored and used to control the formation of the conductive path by controlling the directed energy source.

Directed energy conversion of semiconductor materials

In a method and apparatus for continuous plasma CVD deposition in and through a vacuum system, box carriers are provided to carry both the substrates and the plasma exciting electrodes through the system. Contamination of the system and cross doping of the applied coatings are reduced.

Deposition of materials

Preparation of amorphous semiconductor material that is suitable for use in a wide variety of devices by the pyrolytic decomposition of one or more gaseous phase polysemiconductanes, including polysilanes and polygermanes.

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Belle Mead, NJ, United States of America

Zoltan J Kiss