US4118548A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of operating a liquid-semiconductor junction photocell
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1977-02-18
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Granted: 1978-10-03
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Expires: 1997-02-18
Abstract
Abstract Liquid-semiconductor photocells are described which produce a stable photocurrent output over extended periods of time by controllably removing material from the semiconductor surface in such a manner as to maintain the integrity of the junction characteristics. The removal may be either by photoetching or by chemical reaction with the electrolyte or with agents added to the electrolyte.
Inventors
- 👤 Kuang-Chou Chang
- 👤 Adam Heller
- 👤 Barry Miller
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:50
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01G; H01G9/00; H01G9/20; H01M; H01M14/00; H01M14/005; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/542
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of operating a photocell containing a photovoltaic junction between the surface of a semiconductor material and a liquid electrolyte containing a redox couple characterized in that said method comprises: controllably removing said surface of said semiconductor material at a rate of at least 300 Angstroms per day yet maintaining the characteristics of said junction.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of operating a photocell containing a photovoltaic junction between the surface of a semiconductor material and a liquid electrolyte containing a redox couple characterized in that said method comprises: controllably removing said surface of said semiconductor material at a rate of at least 300 Angstroms per day yet maintaining the characteristics of said junction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as recited in claim 1 in which said removing step is through photoetching.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as recited in claim 2 in which said semiconductor material consists essentially of n-type GaAs.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as recited in claim 3 in which said redox couple is selected from the group consisting of selenide and telluride anions and mixtures thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as recited in claim 4 in which said redox couple has a concentration greater than 0.1 molar.
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) | 1981-10-02 | 1982-04-03 | 1982-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-02 | 1986-04-03 | 1986-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-02 | 1990-04-03 | 1990-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |