Electrodes for concentrator solar cells, and methods for manufacture thereof

US4320250A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Rudolph E. Corwin · Seattle, US
• Dietrich E. Riemer · Auburn, US
• Billy J. Stanbery · Seattle, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 1980
• Grant date: Mar 16, 1982
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S205/923

Abstract

An improved light transducer such as a solar cell and, especially, a concentrator solar cell, together with processes for forming the same which permit the formation of light transducers characterized by their improved efficiency, especially, at concentration ratios on the order of 100 Suns and greater; and, more particularly, an improved process for forming concentrator solar cell electrodes, and improved concentrator solar cells produced thereby, characterized in that the electrodes comprise a multiplicity of closely spaced, fine-line--i.e., preferably on the order of less than about 1.0 mils in width--electroplated electrodes which are on the order of at least as thick as they are wide and, preferably which are at least 0.7 mils in thickness yet, which are characterized by their relatively sharp, vertical edge profiles and which are essentially devoid of lateral "spread" of the electroplated electrode materials.