Thin-film devices formed from solid group IIIA alloy particles

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for forming thin-films from solid group IIIA-based particles. In one embodiment, a method is provided for creating solid alloy particles. The method may include providing a first material containing at least one alloy comprising of: a) a group IIIA element, b) at least one group IB, IIIA, and/or VIA element different from the group IIIA element of a), and c) a group IA-based material. The group IA-based material may be included in an amount sufficient so that no liquid phase of the alloy is present in a temperature range between room temperature and a deposition temperature higher than room temperature, wherein the group IIIA element is otherwise liquid in that temperature range. The method may involve formulating a precursor material comprising of: a) particles of the first material and b) particles containing at least one element from one of the following: a group IB element, a group IIIA element, a group VIA element, alloys containing any of the foregoing elements, or combinations thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.