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US 8,525,022 B2Granted
High efficiency multi-layer photovoltaic devices
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsJohn Ho, Vladimir Bulovic, Tim Osedach
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A photovoltaic device includes a heterojunction between different semiconductor materials which are present in charge transporting layers. The device can include laterally-arranged electrodes.
Claims19
A photovoltaic device comprising:
- a first electrode arranged on a substrate;
- a second electrode arranged on the substrate a distance apart from the first electrode;
- a first layer in contact with the first and second electrodes, the first layer including a charge transporting material;
- a second layer in contact with the first layer, the second layer including an exciton generating material;
- and
- an interstitial layer intermediate the first layer and the second layer, wherein the interstitial layer has a low absorption coefficient and is substantially incapable of generating carriers.
3 more elements
A method of making a device, comprising:
- forming a first electrode on a substrate;
- forming a second electrode arranged on the substrate a distance apart from the first electrode;
- depositing a first layer in contact with the first and second electrodes, the first layer including a charge transporting material;
- depositing a second layer in contact with the first layer, the second layer including an exciton generating material;
- and
- depositing an interstitial layer intermediate the first layer and the second layer, wherein the interstitial layer has a low absorption coefficient and is substantially incapable of generating carriers.
3 more elements
A method of detecting light, comprising:
- exposing a device to a source of light, wherein the device includes
- a first electrode arranged on a substrate;
- a second electrode arranged on the substrate a distance apart from the first electrode;
- a first layer in contact with the first and second electrodes, the first layer including
- a charge transporting material;
- a second layer in contact with the first layer, the second layer including an exciton generating material;
- and
- an interstitial layer intermediate the first layer and the second layer, wherein the interstitial layer has a low absorption coefficient and is substantially incapable of generating carriers;
- and
- detecting an electrical response across the first and second electrode.
7 more elements
A photovoltaic device, comprising:
- a first plurality of electrodes arranged on a substrate;
- a second plurality of electrodes arranged on the substrate, wherein each electrode of the second plurality is spaced a distance apart from an first electrode of the first plurality;
- a first layer in contact with the first and second pluralities of electrodes, the first layer including a charge transporting material;
- a second layer in contact with the first layer, the second layer including an exciton generating material;
- and
- an interstitial layer intermediate the first layer and the second layer, wherein the interstitial layer has a low absorption coefficient and is substantially incapable of generating carriers.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.