Method and apparatus to scribe thin film layers of cadmium telluride solar cells
US8890025B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 1, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K2103/172
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of laser scribing a CdTe solar cell structure includes providing a laser operable to produce an optical pulse. The optical pulse is characterized by a temporal profile having a first power level during a first portion of the optical pulse and a second power level less than the first power level during a second portion of the optical pulse. The method also includes directing the optical pulse to impinge on the CdTe solar cell structure. The CdTe solar cell structure includes a substrate, a transmission spectrum control layer adjacent the substrate; a barrier layer adjacent the transmission spectrum control layer, and a conductive layer adjacent the barrier layer. The method further includes initiating a removal process for the conductive layer and terminating the removal process prior to removing the barrier layer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.