US4338480A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stacked multijunction photovoltaic converters
Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1980-12-29
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Granted: 1982-07-06
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Expires: 2000-12-29
Abstract
Abstract Solar cells with different bandgaps are stacked to form a multijunction photovoltaic converter with a high conversion efficiency. By stacking the cells mechanically rather than by growing them all at one time, the most convenient combination of materials may be selected for the cells. The stacking is completed by means of a glass sealing layer with moats containing inter-cell contacts which are bonded to the cells.
Inventors
- 👤 George A. Antypas
- 👤 Ronald L. Bell
- 👤 Ronald L. Moon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:50
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F19/00; H10F19/40; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A stacked photovoltaic converter comprising: a first solar cell having a first contact surface; a second solar cell having a second contact surface, said solar cells being so stacked one on top of the other that said contact surfaces face each other; and a sealing layer between said contact surfaces, said sealing layer comprising a glass layer and at least one electrically conductive inter-cell contact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A stacked photovoltaic converter comprising: a first solar cell having a first contact surface; a second solar cell having a second contact surface, said solar cells being so stacked one on top of the other that said contact surfaces face each other; and a sealing layer between said contact surfaces, said sealing layer comprising a glass layer and at least one electrically conductive inter-cell contact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The converter of claim 1 wherein said glass layer contains at least one channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The converter of claim 2 wherein said channel is elongated and extends to the edge of said contact surfaces.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The converter of claim 1 further comprising an anti-reflective layer deposited between said first surface and said glass layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The converter of claim 1 further comprising a dielectric layer deposited between said second layer and said glass layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The converter of claim 1 wherein said first solar cell is an AlGaAs solar cell and said second solar cell is a silicon cell.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The converter of claim 1 wherein said inter-cell contact is bonded to said contact surfaces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The converter of claim 7 wherein said inter-cell contact is gold.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-07-05 | 1986-01-04 | 1986-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-07-05 | 1990-01-04 | 1990-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-07-05 | 1994-01-04 | 1994-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |