Photovoltaic nanowire structures and related fabrication methods
US9559231B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Nanowire-based photovoltaic energy conversion devices and related fabrication methods therefor are described. A plurality of photovoltaic (PV) nanowires extend outwardly from a surface layer of a substrate, each PV nanowire having a root end near the substrate surface layer and a tip end opposite the root end. For some embodiments, a collar material is formed that laterally surrounds and is in contact with the PV nanowires along a portion of one or more of their ends. According to some embodiments, the PV nanowires are formed on a crystalline silicon substrate. According to some other embodiments, the PV nanowires are formed on a roll-sourced continuous substrate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.