Multi-junction solar cell having sidewall bi-layer electrical interconnect

US8431817B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sundiode Inc. · US

Inventors

• James C. Kim · Westlake Village, US
• Sungsoo Yi · Sunnyvale, US
• Danny E. Mars · Los Altos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 8, 2010
• Grant date: Apr 30, 2013
• Expiry date: Mar 10, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/544

Abstract

Nanostructure array optoelectronic devices are disclosed. The optoelectronic device may be a multi junction solar cell. The optoelectronic device may have a bi-layer electrical interconnect that is physically and electrically connected to sidewalls of the array of nanostructures. The optoelectronic device may be operated as a multi junction solar cell, wherein each junction is associated with one portion of the device. The bi-layer electrical interconnect allows current to pass from one portion to the next. Thus, the bi-layer electrical interconnect may serve as a replacement for a tunnel junction, which is used in some conventional multi junction solar cells.