Multi-junction solar cell having sidewall bi-layer electrical interconnect
AssigneeSundiode Inc.
InventorsJames C. Kim, Sungsoo Yi, Danny E. Mars
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Nanostructure array optoelectronic devices are disclosed. The optoelectronic device may be a multi junction solar cell. The optoelectronic device may have a bi-layer electrical interconnect that is physically and electrically connected to sidewalls of the array of nanostructures. The optoelectronic device may be operated as a multi junction solar cell, wherein each junction is associated with one portion of the device. The bi-layer electrical interconnect allows current to pass from one portion to the next. Thus, the bi-layer electrical interconnect may serve as a replacement for a tunnel junction, which is used in some conventional multi junction solar cells.
Claims14
A multi junction solar cell comprising:
- a plurality of nanostructures, the plurality of nanostructures having first regions of a first conductivity type and second regions of a second conductivity type to form first p-n junctions, the plurality of nanostructures having third regions of the first conductivity type and fourth regions of the second conductivity type to form second p-n junctions;
- and
- a bi-layer electrical interconnect having a first material in electrical and physical contact with the second regions and a second material in electrical and physical contact with the third regions, the first material and the second material are in electrical contact with each other to allow charge to flow between the second regions and the third regions through the bi-layer electrical interconnect.
A method for forming a multi junction solar cell comprising:
- forming a plurality of nanostructures, the plurality of nanostructures having first regions of a first conductivity type and second regions of a second conductivity type to form first p-n junctions, the plurality of nanostructures having third regions of the first conductivity type and fourth regions of the second conductivity type to form second p-n junctions;
- and
- forming a bi-layer electrical interconnect having a first material in electrical and physical contact with the second regions and a second material in electrical and physical contact with the third regions, the first material and the second material are in electrical contact with each other to allow charge to flow between the second regions and the third regions through the bi-layer electrical contact.
A multi junction solar cell comprising:
- an array of nanostructures, nanostructures in the array of nanostructures having a plurality of photo-active regions, each photo-active regions is configured to absorb light of a different range of frequencies;
- and
- a bi-layer electrical interconnect providing a path for electrical current flow between adjacent ones of the photo-active regions, each bi-layer electrical contact having a first layer that makes Ohmic contact with a p-type semiconductor and a second layer that makes Ohmic contact with an n-type semiconductor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.