The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 04, 2014
Filed:
Jan. 26, 2006
Niels Posthuma, Leuven, BE;
Giovanni Flamand, Oelegem, BE;
Jef Poortmans, Kessel-lo, BE;
Johan Van Der Heide, Aarschot, BE;
Niels Posthuma, Leuven, BE;
Giovanni Flamand, Oelegem, BE;
Jef Poortmans, Kessel-lo, BE;
Johan van der Heide, Aarschot, BE;
IMEC, , BE;
Umicore, N.V., , BE;
Abstract
A method is disclosed for passivating and contacting a surface of a germanium substrate. A passivation layer of amorphous silicon material is formed on the germanium surface. A contact layer of metal, e.g., aluminum, is then formed on the passivation layer. The structure is heated so that the germanium surface makes contact with the contact layer. The aluminum contact layer can be configured for use as a mirroring surface for the back surface of the device. Thus, a passivated germanium surface is disclosed, as well as a solar cell comprising such a structure.