Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130180564 | FIELD-EFFECT PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENTS - Photovoltaic devices such as solar cells having one or more field-effect hole or electron inversion/accumulation layers as contact regions are configured such that the electric field required for charge inversion and/or accumulation is provided by the output voltage of the photovoltaic device or that of an integrated solar cell unit. In some embodiments, a power source may be connected between a gate electrode and a contact region on the opposite side of photovoltaic device. In other embodiments, the photovoltaic device or integrated unit is self-powering. | 07-18-2013 |
20130193441 | Semiconductor Substrates Using Bandgap Material Between III-V Channel Material and Insulator Layer - Improved semiconductor substrates are provided that employ a wide bandgap material between the channel and the insulator. A semiconductor substrate comprises a channel layer comprised of a III-V material; an insulator layer; and a wide bandgap material between the channel layer and the insulator layer, wherein a conduction band offset (ΔE | 08-01-2013 |
20130193482 | Fin Structures with Damage-Free Sidewalls for Multi-Gate Mosfets - Improved Fin Field Effect Transistors (FinFET) are provided, as well as improved techniques for forming fins for a FinFET. A fin for a FinFET is formed by forming a semi-insulating layer on an insulator that gives a sufficiently large conduction band offset (ΔE | 08-01-2013 |
20130193483 | Mosfet Structures Having Compressively Strained Silicon Channel - MOSFET structures are provided having a compressively strained silicon channel. A semiconductor device is provided that comprises a field effect transistor (FET) structure having a gate stack on a silicon substrate, wherein the field effect transistor structure comprises a channel formed below the gate stack; and a compressively strained silicon layer on at least a portion of the silicon substrate to compressively strain the channel. | 08-01-2013 |
20130196486 | Semiconductor Substrates Using Bandgap Material Between III-V Channel Material and Insulator Layer - Improved semiconductor substrates are provided that employ a wide bandgap material between the channel and the insulator. A semiconductor substrate comprises a channel layer comprised of a III-V material; an insulator layer; and a wide bandgap material between the channel layer and the insulator layer, wherein a conduction band offset (ΔE) between the channel layer and the wide bandgap material is between 0.05 eV and 0.8 eV. The channel layer can be comprised of, for example, In | 08-01-2013 |
20130196488 | Fin Structures with Damage-Free Sidewalls for Multi-Gate Mosfets - Improved Fin Field Effect Transistors (FinFET) are provided, as well as improved techniques for forming fins for a FinFET. A fin for a FinFET is formed by forming a semi-insulating layer on an insulator that gives a sufficiently large conduction band offset (ΔE | 08-01-2013 |
20130240893 | BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE MULTIPLYING INTEGRATION SCHEME - A circuit includes a first field effect transistor having a gate, a first drain-source terminal, and a second drain-source terminal; and a second field effect transistor having a gate, a first drain-source terminal, and a second drain-source terminal. The second field effect transistor and the first field effect transistor are of the same type, i.e., both n-channel transistors or both p-channel transistors. The second drain-source terminal of the first field effect transistor is coupled to the first drain-source terminal of the second field effect transistor; and the gate of the second field effect transistor is coupled to the first drain-source terminal of the second field effect transistor. The resulting three-terminal device can be substituted for a single field effect transistor that would otherwise suffer breakdown under proposed operating conditions. | 09-19-2013 |
20130240951 | GALLIUM NITRIDE SUPERJUNCTION DEVICES - Gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor structures enable high breakdown voltages and are usable for high-power, and/or high-frequency switching. Schottky diodes facilitate high voltage applications and offer fast switching. A superjunction formed by p/n junctions in gallium nitride facilitates operation of the high electron mobility transistor structures and Schottky diodes as well as gated diodes formed by drain to gate connections of the transistor structures. Breakdown between the gate and drain of the high electron mobility transistor structures, through the substrate, or both is suppressed. | 09-19-2013 |
20130242627 | MONOLITHIC HIGH VOLTAGE MULTIPLIER - High voltage diode-connected gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor structures or Schottky diodes are employed in a network including high-k dielectric capacitors in a solid state, monolithic voltage multiplier. A superjunction formed by vertical p/n junctions in gallium nitride facilitates operation of the high electron mobility transistor structures and Schottky diodes. A design structure for designing, testing or manufacturing an integrated circuit is tangibly embodied in a machine-readable medium and includes elements of a solid state voltage multiplier. | 09-19-2013 |
20130260505 | SOLAR-POWERED ENERGY-AUTONOMOUS SILICON-ON-INSULATOR DEVICE - A solar-powered autonomous CMOS circuit structure is fabricated with monolithically integrated photovoltaic solar cells. The structure includes a device layer including an integrated circuit and a solar cell layer. Solar cell structures in the solar cell layer can be series connected during metallization of the device layer or subsequently. The device layer and the solar cell layer are formed using a silicon-on-insulator substrate. Subsequent spalling of the silicon-on-insulator substrate through the handle substrate thereof facilitates production of a relatively thin solar cell layer that can be subjected to a selective etching process to isolate the solar cell structures. | 10-03-2013 |
20130306971 | SEMICONDUCTOR ACTIVE MATRIX ON BURIED INSULATOR - A high resolution active matrix backplane is fabricated using techniques applicable to flexible substrates. A backplane layer including active semiconductor devices is formed on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The backplane layer is spalled from the substrate. A frontplane layer including passive devices such as LCDs, OLEDs, photosensitive materials, or piezo-electric materials is formed over the backplane layer to form an active matrix structure. The active matrix structure may be fabricated to allow bottom emission and provide mechanical flexibility. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309791 | SEMICONDUCTOR ACTIVE MATRIX ON BURIED INSULATOR - A high resolution active matrix backplane is fabricated using techniques applicable to flexible substrates. A backplane layer including active semiconductor devices is formed on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The backplane layer is spalled from the substrate. A frontplane layer including passive devices such as LCDs, OLEDs, photosensitive materials, or piezo-electric materials is formed over the backplane layer to form an active matrix structure. The active matrix structure may be fabricated to allow bottom emission and provide mechanical flexibility. | 11-21-2013 |
20130312819 | REMOVAL OF STRESSOR LAYER FROM A SPALLED LAYER AND METHOD OF MAKING A BIFACIAL SOLAR CELL USING THE SAME - A stressor layer used in a controlled spalling method is removed through the use of a cleave layer that can be fractured or dissolved. The cleave layer is formed between a host semiconductor substrate and the metal stressor layer. A controlled spalling process separates a relatively thin residual host substrate layer from the host substrate. Following attachment of a handle substrate to the residual substrate layer or other layers subsequently formed thereon, the cleave layer is dissolved or otherwise compromised to facilitate removal of the stressor layer. Such removal allows the fabrication of a bifacial solar cell. | 11-28-2013 |
20130316488 | REMOVAL OF STRESSOR LAYER FROM A SPALLED LAYER AND METHOD OF MAKING A BIFACIAL SOLAR CELL USING THE SAME - A stressor layer used in a controlled spalling method is removed through the use of a cleave layer that can be fractured or dissolved. The cleave layer is formed between a host semiconductor substrate and the metal stressor layer. A controlled spalling process separates a relatively thin residual host substrate layer from the host substrate. Following attachment of a handle substrate to the residual substrate layer or other layers subsequently formed thereon, the cleave layer is dissolved or otherwise compromised to facilitate removal of the stressor layer. Such removal allows the fabrication of a bifacial solar cell. | 11-28-2013 |
20130341623 | PHOTORECEPTOR WITH IMPROVED BLOCKING LAYER - A photoreceptor includes a multilayer blocking structure to reduce dark discharge of the surface voltage of the photoreceptor resulting from electron injection from an electrically conductive substrate. The multilayer blocking structure includes wide band gap semiconductor layers in alternating sequence with one or more narrow band gap blocking layers. A fabrication method of the photoreceptor includes transfer-doping of the narrow band gap blocking layers, which are deposited in alternating sequence with wide band gap semiconductor layers to form a blocking structure. Suppression of hole or electron injection can be obtained using the method. | 12-26-2013 |
20130341770 | RADIATION HARDENED SOI STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An SOI substrate including a buried insulator layer positioned between a base substrate and a top semiconductor active layer is first provided. A semiconductor device can then be formed on and/or within a portion of the top semiconductor active layer. A bottommost surface of the buried insulator layer which is opposite a topmost surface of the buried insulator layer that forms an interface with the top semiconductor active layer can be then exposed. Ions can then be implanted through the bottommost surface of the buried insulator layer and into a portion of the buried insulator layer. The ions are implanted at energy ranges that do not disturb the buried insulator layer/top semiconductor active layer interface, while leaving a relatively thin portion of the buried insulator layer near the buried insulator layer/top semiconductor active layer interface intact. | 12-26-2013 |
20130344644 | PHOTORECEPTOR WITH IMPROVED BLOCKING LAYER - A photoreceptor includes a multilayer blocking structure to reduce dark discharge of the surface voltage of the photoreceptor resulting from electron injection from an electrically conductive substrate. The multilayer blocking structure includes wide band gap semiconductor layers in alternating sequence with one or more narrow band gap blocking layers. A fabrication method of the photoreceptor includes transfer-doping of the narrow band gap blocking layers, which are deposited in alternating sequence with wide band gap semiconductor layers to form a blocking structure. Suppression of hole or electron injection can be obtained using the method. | 12-26-2013 |
20140000687 | TEXTURED MULTI-JUNCTION SOLAR CELL AND FABRICATION METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
20140004654 | TEXTURED MULTI-JUNCTION SOLAR CELL AND FABRICATION METHOD | 01-02-2014 |
20140007932 | FLEXIBLE III-V SOLAR CELL STRUCTURE - Solar cell structures include stacked layers in reverse order on a germanium substrate wherein a n++ (In)GaAs buffer layer plays dual roles as buffer and contact layers in the inverted structures. The absorbing layers employed in such exemplary structures are III-V layers such as (In)GaAs. Controlled spalling may be employed as part of the fabrication process for the solar cell structures, which may be single or multi-junction. The requirement for etching a buffer layer is eliminated, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process of devices using the disclosed structures. | 01-09-2014 |
20140048122 | HETEROSTRUCTURE GERMANIUM TANDEM JUNCTION SOLAR CELL - A photovoltaic device that includes an upper cell that absorbs a first range of wavelengths of light and a bottom cell that absorbs a second range of wavelengths of light. The bottom cell includes a heterojunction comprising a crystalline germanium containing (Ge) layer. At least one surface of the crystalline germanium (Ge) containing layer is in contact with a silicon (Si) containing layer having a larger band gap than the crystalline (Ge) containing layer. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048809 | SEMICONDUCTOR ACTIVE MATRIX ON BURIED INSULATOR - A high resolution active matrix backplane is fabricated using techniques applicable to flexible substrates. A backplane layer including active semiconductor devices is formed on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The backplane layer is spalled from the substrate. A frontplane layer including passive devices such as LCDs, OLEDs, photosensitive materials, or piezo-electric materials is formed over the backplane layer to form an active matrix structure. The active matrix structure may be fabricated to allow bottom emission and provide mechanical flexibility. | 02-20-2014 |
20140057385 | III-V PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT AND FABRICATION METHOD - A solar cell structure includes stacked layers in reverse order on a germanium substrate. A heterostructure including an (In)GaAs absorbing layer and a disordered emitter layer is provided in the solar cell structures. Controlled spalling may be employed as part of the fabrication process for the solar cell structure, which may be single or multi-junction. | 02-27-2014 |
20140060627 | FIELD-EFFECT LOCALIZED EMITTER PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - Photovoltaic structures are provided with field-effect inversion/accumulation layers as emitter layers induced by work-function differences between gate conductor layers and substrates thereof. Localized contact regions are in electrical communication with the gate conductors of such structures for repelling minority carriers. Such localized contact regions may include doped crystalline or polycrystalline silicon regions between the gate conductor and silicon absorption layers. Fabrication of the structures can be conducted without alignment between metal contacts and the localized contact regions or high temperature processing. | 03-06-2014 |
20140070215 | DEFECT FREE STRAINED SILICON ON INSULATOR (SSOI) SUBSTRATES - A method of forming a strained semiconductor material that in one embodiment includes forming a cleave layer in a host semiconductor substrate, and contacting a strain inducing material layer on a surface of a transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate. A handle substrate is then contacted to an exposed surface of the stress inducing material layer. The transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate may then be separated from the host semiconductor substrate along the cleave layer. A dielectric layer is formed directly on the transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate. The handle substrate and the stress inducing material are then removed, wherein the transferred portion of the host semiconductor substrate provides a strained semiconductor layer that is in direct contact with a dielectric layer. | 03-13-2014 |
20140073119 | DEFECT FREE STRAINED SILICON ON INSULATOR (SSOI) SUBSTRATES - A method of forming a strained semiconductor material that in one embodiment includes forming a cleave layer in a host semiconductor substrate, and contacting a strain inducing material layer on a surface of a transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate. A handle substrate is then contacted to an exposed surface of the stress inducing material layer. The transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate may then be separated from the host semiconductor substrate along the cleave layer. A dielectric layer is formed directly on the transfer portion of the host semiconductor substrate. The handle substrate and the stress inducing material are then removed, wherein the transferred portion of the host semiconductor substrate provides a strained semiconductor layer that is in direct contact with a dielectric layer. | 03-13-2014 |
20140077210 | AMORPHOUS SILICON PHOTODETECTOR WITH LOW DARK CURRENT - A p-i-n photodetector includes at least one multilayer contact structure including wide gap and narrow gap layers to reduce dark current. The multilayer contact structure includes one or more wide band gap semiconductor layers in alternating sequence with one or more narrow band gap contact layers. A fabrication method of the photodetector includes transfer-doping of the narrow band gap contact layers, which are deposited in alternating sequence with wide band gap semiconductor layers. | 03-20-2014 |
20140083506 | EMBEDDED JUNCTION IN HETERO-STRUCTURED BACK-SURFACE FIELD FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A photovoltaic device and method include a crystalline substrate and an emitter contact portion formed in contact with the substrate. A back-surface-field junction includes a homogeneous junction layer formed in contact with the crystalline substrate and having a same conductivity type and a higher active doping density than that of the substrate. The homogeneous junction layer includes a thickness less than a diffusion length of minority carriers in the homogeneous junction layer. A passivation layer is formed in contact with the homogeneous junction layer opposite the substrate, which is either undoped or has the same conductivity type as that of the substrate. | 03-27-2014 |
20140087513 | EMBEDDED JUNCTION IN HETERO-STRUCTURED BACK-SURFACE FIELD FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A photovoltaic device and method include a crystalline substrate and an emitter contact portion formed in contact with the substrate. A back-surface-field junction includes a homogeneous junction layer formed in contact with the crystalline substrate and having a same conductivity type and a higher active doping density than that of the substrate. The homogeneous junction layer includes a thickness less than a diffusion length of minority carriers in the homogeneous junction layer. A passivation layer is formed in contact with the homogeneous junction layer opposite the substrate, which is either undoped or has the same conductivity type as that of the substrate. | 03-27-2014 |
20140103436 | EXTREMELY THIN SEMICONDUCTOR-ON-INSULATOR WITH BACK GATE CONTACT - A structure is provided in which the back gate regions are physically separated from one another as opposed to using reversed biased pn junction diodes. In the present disclosure, the back gate regions can be formed first through a buried dielectric material of an extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator (ETSOI) substrate. After dopant activation, standard device fabrication processes can be performed. A semiconductor base layer portion of the ETSOI substrate can then be removed from the original ETSOI to expose a surface of the back gates. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103485 | ANTIFUSE DEVICE FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - The present disclosure relates to an antifuse for preventing a flow of electrical current in an integrated circuit. One such antifuse includes a reactive material and a silicon region thermally coupled to the reactive material, where an electrical current to the reactive material causes the reactive material to release heat which transitions the silicon region from a high resistance state to a low resistance state. Another such antifuse includes a reactive material, at least one metal and a silicon region adjacent to the at least one metal and thermally coupled to the reactive material, where an electrical current to the reactive material causes the reactive material to release heat which transitions the silicon region from a high resistance state to a low resistance state. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103533 | EXTREMELY THIN SEMICONDUCTOR-ON-INSULATOR WITH BACK GATE CONTACT - A structure is provided in which the back gate regions are physically separated from one another as opposed to using reversed biased pn junction diodes. In the present disclosure, the back gate regions can be formed first through a buried dielectric material of an extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator (ETSOI) substrate. After dopant activation, standard device fabrication processes can be performed. A semiconductor base layer portion of the ETSOI substrate can then be removed from the original ETSOI to expose a surface of the back gates. | 04-17-2014 |
20140106494 | DUAL-GATE BIO/CHEM SENSOR - A dual gate extremely thin semiconductor-on-insulator transistor with asymmetric gate dielectrics is provided. This structure can improve the sensor detection limit and also relieve the drift effects. Detection is performed at a constant current mode while the species will be detected at a gate electrode with a thin equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) and the gate bias will be applied to the second gate electrode with thicker EOT to maintain current flow through the transistor. As a result, a small change in the charge on the first electrode with the thin EOT will be translated into a larger voltage on the gate electrode with the thick EOT to sustain the current flow through the transistor. This allows a reduction of the sensor dimension and therefore an increase in the array size. The dual gate structure further includes cavities, i.e., microwell arrays, for chemical sensing. | 04-17-2014 |
20140158187 | SELECTIVE EMITTER PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a patterned layer on a doped emitter portion of the photovoltaic device, the patterned layer including openings that expose areas of the doped emitter portion and growing an epitaxial layer over the patterned layer such that a crystalline phase grows in contact with the doped emitter portion and a non-crystalline phase grows in contact with the patterned layer. The non-crystalline phase is removed from the patterned layer. Conductive contacts are formed on the epitaxial layer in the openings to form a contact area for the photovoltaic device. | 06-12-2014 |
20140162396 | SELECTIVE EMITTER PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a patterned layer on a doped emitter portion of the photovoltaic device, the patterned layer including openings that expose areas of the doped emitter portion and growing an epitaxial layer over the patterned layer such that a crystalline phase grows in contact with the doped emitter portion and a non-crystalline phase grows in contact with the patterned layer. The non-crystalline phase is removed from the patterned layer. Conductive contacts are formed on the epitaxial layer in the openings to form a contact area for the photovoltaic device. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166079 | MONOLITHIC INTEGRATION OF HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - A method for fabricating a device with integrated photovoltaic cells includes supporting a semiconductor substrate on a first handle substrate and doping the semiconductor substrate to form doped alternating regions with opposite conductivity. A doped layer is formed over a first side the semiconductor substrate. A conductive material is patterned over the doped layer to form conductive islands such that the conductive islands are aligned with the alternating regions to define a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series on a monolithic structure. | 06-19-2014 |
20140166096 | FIELD-EFFECT INTER-DIGITATED BACK CONTACT PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes patterning a dielectric layer on a substrate to form a patterned dielectric having local spacings between shapes and remote spacings between groups of shapes, and depositing a doped epitaxial layer over the patterned dielectric such that selective crystalline growth occurs in portions of the epitaxial layer in contact with the substrate and noncrystalline growth occurs in portions of the epitaxial layer in contact with the patterned dielectric. First metal contacts are formed over the local spacings of the patterned dielectric, and second metal contacts are formed over the remote spacings. Exposed portions of the noncrystalline growth are etched using the first and second metal contacts as an etch mask to form alternating interdigitated emitter and back contact stacks. | 06-19-2014 |
20140170807 | MONOLITHIC INTEGRATION OF HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - A method for fabricating a device with integrated photovoltaic cells includes supporting a semiconductor substrate on a first handle substrate and doping the semiconductor substrate to form doped alternating regions with opposite conductivity. A doped layer is formed over a first side the semiconductor substrate. A conductive material is patterned over the doped layer to form conductive islands such that the conductive islands are aligned with the alternating regions to define a plurality of photovoltaic cells connected in series on a monolithic structure. | 06-19-2014 |
20140191237 | CRYSTALLINE THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR - A method for forming a thin film transistor includes joining a crystalline substrate to an insulating substrate. A doped layer is deposited on the crystalline substrate, and the doped layer is patterned to form source and drain regions. The crystalline substrate is patterned to form an active area such that a conductive channel is formed in the crystalline substrate between the source and drain regions. A gate stack is formed between the source and drain regions, and contacts are formed to the source and drain regions and the gate stack through a passivation layer. | 07-10-2014 |
20140191320 | CRYSTALLINE THIN-FILM TRANSISTOR - A method for forming a thin film transistor includes joining a crystalline substrate to an insulating substrate. A doped layer is deposited on the crystalline substrate, and the doped layer is patterned to form source and drain regions. The crystalline substrate is patterned to form an active area such that a conductive channel is formed in the crystalline substrate between the source and drain regions. A gate stack is formed between the source and drain regions, and contacts are formed to the source and drain regions and the gate stack through a passivation layer. | 07-10-2014 |
20140196773 | MULTI-JUNCTION III-V SOLAR CELL - A multi junction solar cell structure includes a top photovoltaic cell including III-V semiconductor materials and a silicon-based bottom photovoltaic cell. A thin, germanium-rich silicon germanium buffer layer is provided between the top and bottom cells. Fabrication techniques for producing multi junction III-V solar cell structures, lattice-matched or pseudomorphic to germanium, on silicon substrates is further provided wherein silicon serves as the bottom cell. The open circuit voltage of the silicon cell may be enhanced by localized back surface field structures, localized back contacts, or amorphous silicon-based heterojunction back contacts. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196774 | MULTI-JUNCTION III-V SOLAR CELL - A multi junction solar cell structure includes a top photovoltaic cell including III-V semiconductor materials and a silicon-based bottom photovoltaic cell. A thin, germanium-rich silicon germanium buffer layer is provided between the top and bottom cells. Fabrication techniques for producing multi junction III-V solar cell structures, lattice-matched or pseudomorphic to germanium, on silicon substrates is further provided wherein silicon serves as the bottom cell. The open circuit voltage of the silicon cell may be enhanced by localized back surface field structures, localized back contacts, or amorphous silicon-based heterojunction back contacts. | 07-17-2014 |
20140242746 | ELECTRODE FORMATION FOR HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming a doped layer on a crystalline substrate, the doped layer having an opposite dopant conductivity as the substrate. A non-crystalline transparent conductive electrode (TCE) layer is formed on the doped layer at a temperature less than 150 degrees Celsius. The TCE layer is flash annealed to crystallize material of the TCE layer at a temperature above about 150 degrees Celsius for less than 10 seconds. | 08-28-2014 |
20140242807 | METHOD FOR FACILITATING CRACK INITIATION DURING CONTROLLED SUBSTRATE SPALLING - A method is provided in which a substrate including various materials of different fracture toughness (K | 08-28-2014 |
20140320541 | ACTIVE MATRIX TRIODE SWITCH DRIVER CIRCUIT - A pixel circuit for an active matrix organic light-emitting diode display system includes a first input node, a second input node, first power supply node, a second power supply node, a triode switch circuit, a storage capacitor, an organic light emitting diode, and a resistive element. The triode switch circuit is connected to the first and second input nodes. The storage capacitor is connected between an output of the triode switch circuit and the second power supply node. The organic light-emitting diode is connected between the output of the triode switch circuit and the second power supply node. The first resistive element is connected between the output of the triode switch circuit and the first power supply node. | 10-30-2014 |
20140320555 | ACTIVE MATRIX TRIODE SWITCH DRIVER CIRCUIT - A pixel circuit for an active matrix organic light-emitting diode display system includes a first input node, a second input node, first power supply node, a second power supply node, a triode switch circuit, a storage capacitor, an organic light emitting diode, and a resistive element. The triode switch circuit is connected to the first and second input nodes. The storage capacitor is connected between an output of the triode switch circuit and the second power supply node. The organic light-emitting diode is connected between the output of the triode switch circuit and the second power supply node. The first resistive element is connected between the output of the triode switch circuit and the first power supply node. | 10-30-2014 |
20140339502 | ELEMENTAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL CONTACT FOR HIGH INDIUM CONTENT InGaN LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A vertical stack including a p-doped GaN portion, a multi-quantum-well including indium gallium nitride layers, and an n-doped transparent conductive material portion is formed on an insulator substrate. A dielectric material liner is formed around the vertical stack, and is patterned to physically expose a surface of the p-doped GaN portion. A selective low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material on the physically exposed surfaces of the p-doped GaN portion, thereby forming an elemental semiconductor material portion. The selective low temperature epitaxy process can be performed at a temperature lower than 600° C., thereby limiting diffusion of materials within the multi-quantum well and avoiding segregation of indium within the multi-quantum well. The light-emitting diode can generate a radiation of a wide range including blue and green lights in the visible wavelength range. | 11-20-2014 |
20140339503 | ELEMENTAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL CONTACT FOR GAN-BASED LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A vertical stack including a p-doped GaN portion, a multi-quantum-well, and an n-doped GaN portion is formed on an insulator substrate. The p-doped GaN portion may be formed above, or below, the multi-quantum-well. A dielectric material liner is formed around the vertical stack, and is patterned to physically expose a top surface of the p-doped GaN portion. A selective low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material on the physically exposed surfaces of the p-doped GaN portion, thereby forming an elemental semiconductor material portion. Metallization is performed on a portion of the elemental semiconductor material portions to form an electrical contact structure that provides effective electrical contact to the p-doped GaN portion through the elemental semiconductor material portion. The elemental semiconductor material portion spreads electrical current between the electrical contact structure and the p-doped GaN portion. | 11-20-2014 |
20140342485 | ELEMENTAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL CONTACT FOR HIGH INDIUM CONTENT InGaN LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A vertical stack including a p-doped GaN portion, a multi-quantum-well including indium gallium nitride layers, and an n-doped transparent conductive material portion is formed on an insulator substrate. A dielectric material liner is formed around the vertical stack, and is patterned to physically expose a surface of the p-doped GaN portion. A selective low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material on the physically exposed surfaces of the p-doped GaN portion, thereby forming an elemental semiconductor material portion. The selective low temperature epitaxy process can be performed at a temperature lower than 600° C., thereby limiting diffusion of materials within the multi-quantum well and avoiding segregation of indium within the multi-quantum well. The light-emitting diode can generate a radiation of a wide range including blue and green lights in the visible wavelength range. | 11-20-2014 |
20140342486 | ELEMENTAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL CONTACT FOR GaN-BASED LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A vertical stack including a p-doped GaN portion, a multi-quantum-well, and an n-doped GaN portion is formed on an insulator substrate. The p-doped GaN portion may be formed above, or below, the multi-quantum-well. A dielectric material liner is formed around the vertical stack, and is patterned to physically expose a top surface of the p-doped GaN portion. A selective low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material on the physically exposed surfaces of the p-doped GaN portion, thereby forming an elemental semiconductor material portion. Metallization is performed on a portion of the elemental semiconductor material portions to form an electrical contact structure that provides effective electrical contact to the p-doped GaN portion through the elemental semiconductor material portion. The elemental semiconductor material portion spreads electrical current between the electrical contact structure and the p-doped GaN portion. | 11-20-2014 |
20140346567 | ELEMENTAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL CONTACTFOR HIGH ELECTRON MOBILITY TRANSISTOR - Portions of a top compound semiconductor layer are recessed employing a gate electrode as an etch mask to form a source trench and a drain trench. A low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material in the source trench and the drain trench. Metallization is performed on physically exposed surfaces of the elemental semiconductor material portions in the source trench and the drain trench by depositing a metal and inducing interaction with the metal and the at least one elemental semiconductor material. A metal semiconductor alloy of the metal and the at least one elemental semiconductor material can be performed at a temperature lower than 600° C. to provide a high electron mobility transistor with a well-defined device profile and reliable metallization contacts. | 11-27-2014 |
20140346685 | SILICON-BASED ELECTRONICS WITH DISABLING FEATURE - Silicon-based circuitry is dissolved or otherwise disabled in a controlled manner by reactive materials provided beneath the insulating layer on which the circuitry is formed. Heat and/or light induced acid generating materials are provided for corroding one or more circuitry components. Additionally and/or alternatively, gas-producing materials are deposited in compartments beneath the insulating layer. The gas-producing materials cause pressure to rise within the compartments, damaging the chip. Chemical reactions within the chip may be facilitated by heating elements and/or light generating elements embedded within the chip and actuated by triggering circuits. | 11-27-2014 |
20140349448 | SILICON-BASED ELECTRONICS WITH DISABLING FEATURE - Silicon-based circuitry is dissolved or otherwise disabled in a controlled manner by reactive materials provided beneath the insulating layer on which the circuitry is formed. Heat and/or light induced acid generating materials are provided for corroding one or more circuitry components. Additionally and/or alternatively, gas-producing materials are deposited in compartments beneath the insulating layer. The gas-producing materials cause pressure to rise within the compartments, damaging the chip. Chemical reactions within the chip may be facilitated by heating elements and/or light generating elements embedded within the chip and actuated by triggering circuits. | 11-27-2014 |
20140349449 | ELEMENTAL SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIAL CONTACT FOR HIGH ELECTRON MOBILITY TRANSISTOR - Portions of a top compound semiconductor layer are recessed employing a gate electrode as an etch mask to form a source trench and a drain trench. A low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material in the source trench and the drain trench. Metallization is performed on physically exposed surfaces of the elemental semiconductor material portions in the source trench and the drain trench by depositing a metal and inducing interaction with the metal and the at least one elemental semiconductor material. A metal semiconductor alloy of the metal and the at least one elemental semiconductor material can be performed at a temperature lower than 600° C. to provide a high electron mobility transistor with a well-defined device profile and reliable metallization contacts. | 11-27-2014 |
20140353698 | HETEROJUNCTION LIGHT EMITTING DIODE - A method for forming a light emitting device includes forming a monocrystalline III-V emissive layer on a monocrystalline substrate and forming a first doped layer on the emissive layer. A first contact is deposited on the first doped layer. The monocrystalline substrate is removed from the emissive layer by a mechanical process. A second doped layer is formed on the emissive layer on a side from which the substrate has been removed. The second doped layer has a dopant conductivity opposite that of the first doped layer. A second contact is deposited on the second doped layer. | 12-04-2014 |
20140353700 | HETEROJUNCTION LIGHT EMITTING DIODE - A method for forming a light emitting device includes forming a monocrystalline III-V emissive layer on a monocrystalline substrate and forming a first doped layer on the emissive layer. A first contact is deposited on the first doped layer. The monocrystalline substrate is removed from the emissive layer by a mechanical process. A second doped layer is formed on the emissive layer on a side from which the substrate has been removed. The second doped layer has a dopant conductivity opposite that of the first doped layer. A second contact is deposited on the second doped layer. | 12-04-2014 |
20140367786 | FLEXIBLE, STRETCHABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Fabrication methods are disclosed that facilitate the production of electronic structures that are both flexible and stretchable to conform to non-planar (e.g. curved) surfaces without suffering functional damage due to excessive strain. Electronic structures including CMOS devices are provided that can be stretched or squeezed within acceptable limits without failing or breaking The methods disclosed herein further facilitate the production of flexible, stretchable electronic structures having multiple levels of intra-chip connectors. Such connectors are formed through deposition and photolithographic patterning (back end of the line processing) and can be released following transfer of the electronic structures to flexible substrates. | 12-18-2014 |
20150028289 | ACTIVE MATRIX USING HYBRID INTEGRATED CIRCUIT AND BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR - A hybrid integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate having a base substrate, a semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer disposed therebetween, the base substrate being reduced in thickness. First devices are formed in the semiconductor layer, the first devices being connected to first metallizations on a first side of the dielectric layer. Second devices are formed in the base substrate, the second devices being connected to second metallizations formed on a second side of the dielectric layer opposite the first side. A through via connection is configured to connect the first metallizations to the second metallizations through the dielectric layer. Pixel circuits and methods are also disclosed. | 01-29-2015 |
20150041756 | THIN LIGHT EMITTING DIODE AND FABRICATION METHOD - A method for fabrication a light emitting diode (LED) includes growing a crystalline LED structure on a growth substrate, forming alternating material layers on the LED structure to form a reflector on a back side opposite the growth substrate and depositing a stressor layer on the reflector. A handle substrate is adhered to the stressor layer. The LED structure is separated from the growth substrate using a spalling process to expose a front side of the LED structure. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041824 | TRANSISTOR WITH BONDED GATE DIELECTRIC - A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a dielectric layer on a first substrate and wafer bonding the dielectric layer of the first substrate to a second substrate including SiC with a passivating layer formed on the SiC. A portion of the first substrate is removed from a side opposite the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is patterned to form a gate dielectric for a field effect transistor formed on the second substrate. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041826 | TRANSISTOR WITH BONDED GATE DIELECTRIC - A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a dielectric layer on a first substrate and wafer bonding the dielectric layer of the first substrate to a second substrate including SiC with a passivating layer formed on the SiC. A portion of the first substrate is removed from a side opposite the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is patterned to form a gate dielectric for a field effect transistor formed on the second substrate. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041936 | PASSIVATION OF BACK-ILLUMINATED IMAGE SENSOR - A method for forming a back-illuminated image sensor includes forming a higher doped crystalline layer on a crystalline substrate, growing a lower doped crystalline layer on the higher doped crystalline layer and forming a photodiode and component circuitry from the lower doped crystalline layer. Metallization structures are formed to make connections to and between components. The crystalline substrate is removed to expose the higher doped crystalline layer. An optical component structure is provided on an exposed surface of the higher doped crystalline layer to receive light therein such that the higher doped crystalline layer provides a passivation layer for the photodiode and the component circuitry. | 02-12-2015 |
20150041938 | PASSIVATION OF BACK-ILLUMINATED IMAGE SENSOR - A method for forming a back-illuminated image sensor includes forming a higher doped crystalline layer on a crystalline substrate, growing a lower doped crystalline layer on the higher doped crystalline layer and forming a photodiode and component circuitry from the lower doped crystalline layer. Metallization structures are formed to make connections to and between components. The crystalline substrate is removed to expose the higher doped crystalline layer. An optical component structure is provided on an exposed surface of the higher doped crystalline layer to receive light therein such that the higher doped crystalline layer provides a passivation layer for the photodiode and the component circuitry. | 02-12-2015 |
20150044796 | THIN LIGHT EMITTING DIODE AND FABRICATION METHOD - A method for fabrication a light emitting diode (LED) includes forming alternating material layers on an LED structure, formed on a substrate, to form a reflector on a back side opposite the substrate. A handle substrate is adhered to a stressor layer deposited on the reflector. The LED structure is separated from the substrate using a spalling process to expose a front side of the LED structure. | 02-12-2015 |
20150050769 | SOLAR-POWERED ENERGY-AUTONOMOUS SILICON-ON-INSULATOR DEVICE - A solar-powered autonomous CMOS circuit structure is fabricated with monolithically integrated photovoltaic solar cells. The structure includes a device layer including an integrated circuit and a solar cell layer. Solar cell structures in the solar cell layer can be series connected during metallization of the device layer or subsequently. The device layer and the solar cell layer are formed using a silicon-on-insulator substrate. Subsequent spalling of the silicon-on-insulator substrate through the handle substrate thereof facilitates production of a relatively thin solar cell layer that can be subjected to a selective etching process to isolate the solar cell structures. | 02-19-2015 |
20150059841 | SELECTIVE EMITTER PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a patterned layer on a doped emitter portion of the photovoltaic device, the patterned layer including openings that expose areas of the doped emitter portion and growing an epitaxial layer over the patterned layer such that a crystalline phase grows in contact with the doped emitter portion and a non-crystalline phase grows in contact with the patterned layer. The non-crystalline phase is removed from the patterned layer. Conductive contacts are formed on the epitaxial layer in the openings to form a contact area for the photovoltaic device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150060759 | TUNABLE LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE - A method of forming a light-emitting diode including determining a first level of tensile stress to be applied to a base substrate including a plurality of quantum well layers to adjust a band-gap of the base substrate to a predetermined band-gap. The first level of tensile stress is generated in the base substrate by forming a tensile-stressing layer on the base substrate. | 03-05-2015 |
20150060760 | TUNABLE LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE - A light-emitting diode device includes a base substrate including a plurality of quantum well layers, a first electrode on one side of the plurality of quantum well layers, and a second electrode on an opposite side of the plurality of quantum well layers. The device includes a tensile-stressing layer formed on the base substrate and having a thickness and chemical composition configured to generate a first tensile stress in the base substrate, the first compressive stress selected to cause the base substrate to have a predetermined band-gap. | 03-05-2015 |
20150068591 | SHALLOW JUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a first contact on a crystalline substrate, by epitaxially growing a first doped layer having a doping concentration of 10 | 03-12-2015 |
20150069333 | FLEXIBLE ACTIVE MATRIX DISPLAY - High resolution active matrix structures are fabricated using techniques applicable to flexible substrates. A backplane layer including active semiconductor devices is formed using a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The substrate is thinned using a layer transfer technique or chemical/mechanical processing. Driver transistors are formed on the semiconductor layer of the substrate along with additional circuits that provide other functions such as computing or sensing. Contacts to passive devices such as organic light emitting diodes may be provided by heavily doped regions formed in the handle layer of the substrate and then isolated. A gate dielectric layer may be formed on the semiconductor layer, which functions as a channel layer, or the insulator layer of the substrate may be employed as a gate dielectric layer. | 03-12-2015 |
20150072467 | SHALLOW JUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A method for fabricating a photovoltaic device includes forming a first contact on a crystalline substrate, by epitaxially growing a first doped layer having a doping concentration of 10 | 03-12-2015 |
20150075598 | SELECTIVE SELF-ALIGNED PLATING OF HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - A method for forming contacts on a photovoltaic device includes forming a heterojunction cell including a substrate, a passivation layer and a doped layer and forming a transparent conductor on the cell. A patterned barrier layer is formed on the transparent conductor and has openings therein wherein the transparent conductor is exposed through the openings in the barrier layer. A conductive contact is grown through the openings in the patterned barrier layer by a selective plating process. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075600 | SELECTIVE SELF-ALIGNED PLATING OF HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELLS - A method for forming contacts on a photovoltaic device includes forming a heterojunction cell including a substrate, a passivation layer and a doped layer and forming a transparent conductor on the cell. A patterned barrier layer is formed on the transparent conductor and has openings therein wherein the transparent conductor is exposed through the openings in the barrier layer. A conductive contact is grown through the openings in the patterned barrier layer by a selective plating process. | 03-19-2015 |
20150093872 | LATERAL HETEROJUNCTION BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR WITH LOW TEMPERATURE RECESSED CONTACTS - A method of forming the heterojunction bipolar transistor that includes providing a stack of a base layer, an extrinsic base layer, a first metal containing layer, and a dielectric cap layer. The dielectric cap layer and the first metal containing layer may be etched to provide a base contact and a dielectric cap. Exposed portions of the base layer may be etched selectively to the dielectric cap. A remaining portion of the base layer provides the base region. A hydrogenated silicon containing layer may be deposited with a low temperature deposition method. At least a portion of the hydrogenated silicon containing layer is formed on at least sidewalls of the base region. A second metal containing layer may be formed on the hydrogenated silicon containing layer. The second metal containing and the hydrogenated silicon containing layer may be etched to provide an emitter region and a collector region. | 04-02-2015 |
20150123204 | FLEXIBLE, STRETCHABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Fabrication methods are disclosed that facilitate the production of electronic structures that are both flexible and stretchable to conform to non-planar (e.g. curved) surfaces without suffering functional damage due to excessive strain. Electronic structures including CMOS devices are provided that can be stretched or squeezed within acceptable limits without failing or breaking. The methods disclosed herein further facilitate the production of flexible, stretchable electronic structures having multiple levels of intra-chip connectors. Such connectors are formed through deposition and photolithographic patterning (back end of the line processing) and can be released following transfer of the electronic structures to flexible substrates. | 05-07-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120210932 | LOW-TEMPERATURE SELECTIVE EPITAXIAL GROWTH OF SILICON FOR DEVICE INTEGRATION - An epitaxy method includes providing an exposed crystalline region of a substrate material. Silicon is epitaxially deposited on the substrate material in a low temperature process wherein a deposition temperature is less than 500 degrees Celsius. A source gas is diluted with a dilution gas with a gas ratio of dilution gas to source gas of less than 1000. | 08-23-2012 |
20120211079 | SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT AND FABRICATION METHOD - A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes providing an absorption layer of a first crystalline semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, and epitaxially growing a second crystalline semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type that is opposite the first conductivity type. The first conductivity type may be p-type and the second conductivity type may be n-type, or the first conductivity type may be n-type and the second conductivity type may be p-type. The temperature of the epitaxially growing the second crystalline semiconductor layer does not exceed 500° C. Contacts are formed in electrical communication with the absorption layer and the second crystalline semiconductor layer. | 08-23-2012 |
20120255600 | METHOD OF BONDING AND FORMATION OF BACK SURFACE FIELD (BSF) FOR MULTI-JUNCTION III-V SOLAR CELLS - A photovoltaic device including at least one top cell that include at least one semiconductor material; a bottom cell of a germanium containing material having a thickness of 10 microns or less; and a back surface field (BSF) region provided by a eutectic alloy layer of aluminum and germanium on the back surface of the bottom cell of that is opposite the interface between the bottom cell and at least one of the top cells. The eutectic alloy of aluminum and germanium bonds the bottom cell of the germanium-containing material to a supporting substrate. | 10-11-2012 |
20120312361 | EMITTER STRUCTURE AND FABRICATION METHOD FOR SILICON HETEROJUNCTION SOLAR CELL - A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes providing an absorption layer of a first crystalline semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, epitaxially growing a second crystalline semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type that is opposite the first conductivity type, and growing a doped amorphous or nanocrystalline passivation layer of a second conductivity type that is opposite to the first conductivity type. The first conductivity type may be p-type and the second conductivity type may be n-type, or the first conductivity type may be n-type and the second conductivity type may be p-type. The temperature of the epitaxially growing the second crystalline semiconductor layer does not exceed 500° C. Contacts are formed in electrical communication with the absorption layer and the second crystalline semiconductor layer. | 12-13-2012 |
20120312362 | SILICON-CONTAINING HETEROJUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT AND DEVICE - A photovoltaic device is provided in which the tunneling barrier for hole collection at either the front contact or the back contact of a silicon heterojunction cell is reduced, without compromising the surface passivation either the front contact or at the back contact. This is achieved in the present disclosure by replacing the intrinsic and/or doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layer(s) at the back contact or at the front contact with an intrinsic and/or doped layer(s) of a semiconductor material having a lower valence band-offset than that of a:Si—H with c-Si, and/or a higher activated doping concentration compared to that of doped hydrogenated amorphous Si. The higher level of activated doping is due to the higher doping efficiency of the back contact or front contact semiconductor material compared to that of amorphous Si, and/or modulation doping of the back or front contact semiconducting material. As a result, the tunneling barrier for hole collection is reduced and the cell efficiency is improved accordingly. | 12-13-2012 |
20120329197 | METHOD OF BONDING AND FORMATION OF BACK SURFACE FIELD (BSF) FOR MULTI-JUNCTION III-V SOLAR CELLS - A photovoltaic device including at least one top cell that include at least one III-V semiconductor material; a bottom cell of a germanium containing material having a thickness of | 12-27-2012 |
20120329206 | SILICON-CONTAINING HETEROJUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT AND DEVICE - In one embodiment, a method of forming a photovoltaic device is provided which includes providing an absorption layer comprising a silicon-containing semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type and having a top surface and a bottom surface that opposes the top surface. A front contact is formed on the top surface of the absorption layer, and a back contact is formed on the bottom surface of the absorption layer. The forming of the front contact and the back contact can occur in any order. The back contact that is formed comprises at least one back contact semiconductor material layer of the first conductivity type and having a lower band-offset than that of hydrogenated amorphous silicon with crystalline Si and/or a higher activated doping of the first conductivity type than that of the doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer. | 12-27-2012 |
20130019944 | METHOD OF STABILIZING HYDROGENATED AMORPHOUS SILICON AND AMORPHOUS HYDROGENATED SILICON ALLOYS - A method of forming a semiconductor material of a photovoltaic device that includes providing a surface of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material, and annealing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material in a deuterium containing atmosphere. Deuterium from the deuterium-containing atmosphere is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material through the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. In some embodiments, the deuterium that is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material increases the stability of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. | 01-24-2013 |
20130019945 | METHOD OF STABILIZING HYDROGENATED AMORPHOUS SILICON AND AMORPHOUS HYDROGENATED SILICON ALLOYS - A method of forming a semiconductor material of a photovoltaic device that includes providing a surface of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material, and annealing the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material in a deuterium containing atmosphere. Deuterium from the deuterium-containing atmosphere is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material through the surface of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. In some embodiments, the deuterium that is introduced to the lattice of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material increases the stability of the hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing material. | 01-24-2013 |
20130025654 | MULTI-JUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE AND FABRICATION METHOD - A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes bonding a substrate to a germanium-containing semiconductor layer with a stressor layer, wherein the stressor layer cleaves the germanium-containing semiconductor layer. At least one semiconductor layer is formed on a cleaved surface of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer that is opposite the conductivity type of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer to provide a first solar cell. The first solar cell absorbs a first range of wavelengths. At least one second solar cell may be formed on the first solar cell, wherein the at least one second solar cell is composed of at least one semiconductor material to absorb a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range wavelengths absorbed by the first solar cell. | 01-31-2013 |
20130025659 | MULTI-JUNCTION PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE AND FABRICATION METHOD - A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes bonding a substrate to a germanium-containing semiconductor layer with a stressor layer, wherein the stressor layer cleaves the germanium-containing semiconductor layer. At least one semiconductor layer is formed on a cleaved surface of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer that is opposite the conductivity type of the germanium-containing semiconductor layer to provide a first solar cell. The first solar cell absorbs a first range of wavelengths. At least one second solar cell may be formed on the first solar cell, wherein the at least one second solar cell is composed of at least one semiconductor material to absorb a second range of wavelengths that is different than the first range wavelengths absorbed by the first solar cell. | 01-31-2013 |
20130092218 | BACK-SURFACE FIELD STRUCTURES FOR MULTI-JUNCTION III-V PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A multi-junction III-V photovoltaic device is provided that includes at least one top cell comprised of at least one III-V compound semiconductor material; and a bottom cell in contact with a surface of the at least one top cell. The bottom cell includes a germanium-containing layer in contact with the at least one top cell, at least one intrinsic hydrogenated silicon-containing layer in contact with a surface of the germanium-containing layer, and at least one doped hydrogenated silicon-containing layer in contact with a surface of the at least one intrinsic hydrogenated silicon-containing layer. The intrinsic and doped silicon-containing layers can be amorphous, nano/micro-crystalline, poly-crystalline or single-crystalline. | 04-18-2013 |
20130095598 | BACK-SURFACE FIELD STRUCTURES FOR MULTI-JUNCTION III-V PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES - A multi-junction III-V photovoltaic device is provided that includes at least one top cell comprised of at least one III-V compound semiconductor material; and a bottom cell in contact with a surface of the at least one top cell. The bottom cell includes a germanium-containing layer in contact with the at least one top cell, at least one intrinsic hydrogenated silicon-containing layer in contact with a surface of the germanium-containing layer, and at least one doped hydrogenated silicon-containing layer in contact with a surface of the at least one intrinsic hydrogenated silicon-containing layer. The intrinsic and doped silicon-containing layers can be amorphous, nano/micro-crystalline, poly-crystalline or single-crystalline. | 04-18-2013 |
20130244372 | SILICON PHOTOVOLTAIC ELEMENT AND FABRICATION METHOD - A method of forming a photovoltaic device that includes providing an absorption layer of a first crystalline semiconductor material having a first conductivity type, and epitaxially growing a second crystalline semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type that is opposite the first conductivity type. The first conductivity type may be p-type and the second conductivity type may be n-type, or the first conductivity type may be n-type and the second conductivity type may be p-type. The temperature of the epitaxially growing the second crystalline semiconductor layer does not exceed 500° C. Contacts are formed in electrical communication with the absorption layer and the second crystalline semiconductor layer. | 09-19-2013 |
20130307075 | CRYSTALLINE THIN-FILM TRANSISTORS AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - Thin film transistors containing a gate structure on a crystalline semiconductor material including a crystalline active channel layer are provided. The gate structure of the present disclosure includes an insulator stack of, from bottom to top, a hydrogenated non-crystalline semiconductor material layer portion and a hydrogenated non-crystalline silicon nitride portion. Doped crystalline semiconductor source/drain regions are located on opposing sides of the gate structure and on surface portions of the crystalline semiconductor material. | 11-21-2013 |
20130313551 | HETEROJUNCTION BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS WITH INTRINSIC INTERLAYERS - Heterojunction bipolar transistors are provided that include at least one contact (e.g., collector, emitter, and/or base) formed by a heterojunction between a crystalline semiconductor material and a doped non-crystalline semiconductor material layer. An interfacial intrinsic non-crystalline semiconductor material layer is present at the heterojunction between the crystalline semiconductor material and the doped non-crystalline semiconductor material layer. The presence of the interfacial intrinsic non-crystalline semiconductor material layer improves the surface passivation of the crystalline semiconductor material by reducing the interface defect density at the heterojunction. | 11-28-2013 |
20130313552 | HETEROJUNCTION BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS WITH THIN EPITAXIAL CONTACTS - Heterojunction bipolar transistors are provided that include at least one contact (e.g., collector, and/or emitter, and/or base) formed by a heterojunction between a crystalline semiconductor material and a doped non-crystalline semiconductor material layer. A highly doped epitaxial semiconductor layer comprising a highly doped hydrogenated crystalline semiconductor material layer portion is present at the heterojunction between the crystalline semiconductor material and the doped non-crystalline semiconductor material layer. Minority carriers within the highly doped epitaxial semiconductor layer have a diffusion length that is larger than a thickness of the highly doped epitaxial semiconductor layer. | 11-28-2013 |
20130316520 | METHODS OF FORMING CONTACT REGIONS USING SACRIFICIAL LAYERS - Methods of patterning semiconductor contact materials on a crystalline semiconductor material which allow high-quality interfaces between the crystalline semiconductor material and the patterned semiconductor contact material are provided. Blanket layers of passivation material and sacrificial material are formed on the crystalline semiconductor material. A first contact opening is formed into the blanker layer of sacrificial material. The first contact opening is extended into blanket layer of passivation material, stopping on a first surface portion of the crystalline semiconductor material, using remaining sacrificial material portions as an etch mask. A semiconductor contact material is formed on the exposed first surface portion of the crystalline semiconductor material. In some embodiments, an electrode material portion can be formed over the first contact opening, and then a second blanket layer of sacrificial material can be formed, followed by forming a next contact opening. | 11-28-2013 |
20130328110 | THIN FILM HYBRID JUNCTION FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR - Junction field effect transistors are provided which include a gate junction located on a surface of a crystalline semiconductor material of a first conductivity type. The gate junction can be selected from one of a doped hydrogenated crystalline semiconductor material layer portion of a second conductivity type which is opposite the first conductivity type, a doped hydrogenated non-crystalline semiconductor material layer portion of a second conductivity type which is opposite the first conductivity type, and a Schottky contact. | 12-12-2013 |