Stable photovoltaic devices and method of producing same
US4547621A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 1984 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 25, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/52
Abstract
An improved photovoltaic device characterized by long term stability in its photoconversion ability. The device is adapted to absorb incident light throughout a substantial portion of the bulk of the photoactive region thereof in a substantially uniform manner. Said uniform absorption of light is provided by grading the band gap of at least a portion of the semiconductor material of the photoactive region thereof such that the graded portions most proximate the light incident surface of the photovoltaic device have a wider band gap than do those portions more distal from the light incident surface. The band gap gradation may be smooth or stepped, and may be accomplished by compositional variation of the semiconductor materials forming the photoactive region. A method for fabricating the stable photovoltaic device of the instant invention is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.