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US 2011/0214709 A1Published application
Nanostructure and photovoltaic cell implementing same
AssigneeQ1 Nanosystems Corporation
InventorsVincent Evelsizer, Larry Bawden, John Fisher
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Abstract
Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. Methods for creating nanostructures are also presented.
Claims92
A photovoltaic structure, comprising:
- an array of photovoltaic nanostructures each having a conductive nanocable and photovoltaic (PV) layers above the nanocable,
- wherein an average grain size of at least one of the PV layers is less than about 100 nm.
A flexible photovoltaic structure, comprising:
- an array of photovoltaic nanostructures each having a conductive nanocable and photovoltaic (PV) layers above the nanocable, wherein ends of the nanocables are coupled together by overplated material.
A method of forming a nanostructure, comprising:
- forming a back plane contact above a substrate;
- forming a mask above the back contact, the mask including vias;
- forming an array of nanocables extending along the vias;
- removing the mask;
- and
- adding photovoltaic (PV) layers above the nanocables,
- wherein an average grain size of at least one of the PV layers is less than about 100 nm.
4 more elements
A method of forming a flexible photovoltaic structure, comprising:
- creating a mask having via holes therein;
- plating for forming an array of conductive nanocables in the via holes, wherein the plating is performed until overfill of plated material from the via holes grows together over the mask;
- removing the mask;
- forming photovoltaic (PV) layers above the nanocables.
1 more element
A method of adjusting an array of photovoltaic nanostructures each having a conductive nanocable and photovoltaic (PV) layers above the nanocable, the method comprising:
- rotating the array of photovoltaic nanostructures in a plane of a substrate thereof for increasing an observable power output of the array.
A device, comprising:
- an array of nanocables extending from a substrate;
- a first semiconductor layer including a III-V compound semiconductor, the first semiconductor layer positioned over the nanocable;
- and
- a second semiconductor layer including a II-VI compound semiconductor, the second semiconductor layer positioned over the nanocable and forming a rectifying junction with the first semiconductor layer.
1 more element
A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic device comprising:
- depositing a first semiconductor layer above an array of nanocables, the first semiconductor layer including a III-V compound semiconductor;
- and
- depositing a second semiconductor layer above the array of nanocables, the second semiconductor layer including a II-VI compound semiconductor, the second semiconductor layer forming a rectifying junction with the first semiconductor layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.