US4366335A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cells
Assignee: BP Solar International LLC
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Filing: 1981-04-30
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Granted: 1982-12-28
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Expires: 2001-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A high photo-conversion efficiency indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cell is spray deposited from a solution containing indium trichloride. The solar cell exhibits an Air Mass One solar conversion efficiency in excess of about 10%.
Inventors
- 👤 Tom Feng
- 👤 Amal K. Ghosh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:17
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F10/00; H10F10/10; H10F10/16; H10F10/164; H10F10/12; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
A high efficiency indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cell comprising: an n-type silicon substrate having at least one major area surface coated with a thin layer of silicon oxide, SiO 2 ; a layer of indium oxide deposited onto said silicon oxide and forming a heterojunction therewith and concurrently forming an anti-reflection layer to said surface; ohmic contact means for making electrical connection to said silicon and said indium oxide layers whereupon illumination said solar cell with an equivalent of Air Mass One solar energy, said solar cell exhibits a conversion efficiency in excess of about 10%.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
A high efficiency indium oxide/n-silicon heterojunction solar cell comprising: an n-type silicon substrate having at least one major area surface coated with a thin layer of silicon oxide, SiO 2 ; a layer of indium oxide deposited onto said silicon oxide and forming a heterojunction therewith and concurrently forming an anti-reflection layer to said surface; ohmic contact means for making electrical connection to said silicon and said indium oxide layers whereupon illumination said solar cell with an equivalent of Air Mass One solar energy, said solar cell exhibits a conversion efficiency in excess of about 10%.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said silicon substrate has a resistivity ranging from about 0.1 ohm cm to about 1 ohm cm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar cell of claim 2 wherein said silicon substrate comprises either single-crystal or polycrystalline silicon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said ohmic contact to the indium oxide comprises a grid electrode covering a portion of the major surface area of said oxide.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The solar cell of claim 4 wherein said grid electrode comprises titanium and silver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said ohmic contact means connected to the silicon comprises titanium and silver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein the indium oxide layer is of a thickness characterized by an interference color of deep blue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The solar cell of claim 1 wherein said thin layer of silicon oxide, SiO 2 is less than about 30 A.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-12-27 | 1986-06-28 | 1986-12-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-27 | 1990-06-28 | 1990-12-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-27 | 1994-06-28 | 1994-12-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |