Germanium solar cell and method for the production thereof

US8664525B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• IMEC · BE
• Umicore, N.V. · BE

Inventors

• Niels Posthuma · Elewijt, BE
• Giovanni Flamand · Oelegem, BE
• Jef Poortmans · Kessel-Lo, BE
• Johan van der Heide · Aarschot, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 26, 2006
• Grant date: Mar 4, 2014
• Expiry date: Feb 24, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50

Abstract

A method is disclosed for passivating and contacting a surface of a germanium substrate. A passivation layer of amorphous silicon material is formed on the germanium surface. A contact layer of metal, e.g., aluminum, is then formed on the passivation layer. The structure is heated so that the germanium surface makes contact with the contact layer. The aluminum contact layer can be configured for use as a mirroring surface for the back surface of the device. Thus, a passivated germanium surface is disclosed, as well as a solar cell comprising such a structure.