US4409423A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hole matrix vertical junction solar cell
Assignee: United States, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE THE, Secretary of
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Filing: 1982-03-09
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Granted: 1983-10-11
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Expires: 2002-03-09
Abstract
Abstract An improved vertical junction solar cell is provided which comprises a thin silicon chip having on one surface thereof a plurality of holes therein closely spaced in a desired array, the walls of the holes defining the vertical junction of the cell. The resulting structure provides improved light utilization during the entire life of the cell, and improved radiation resistance, as compared to grooved structure cells.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Holt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:14
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/10; H10F77/14; H10F77/147; H10F10/00; H10F10/10; H10F10/14; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50; Y02E10/547
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A vertical junction solar cell comprising: a. a semiconductor substrate of predetermined thickness having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces; b. a plurality of electrically conducting strips on said upper surface and separating said upper surface into a plurality of distinct active areas, and an electrical header strip joining said conducting strips to provide a first electrical contact for said cell; c. a second electrical contact on said lower surface; and d. each of said active areas including a plurality of closely spaced holes of predetermined depth into said substrate, said holes having a substantially circular cross-section and a depth less than said substrate thickness and greater than the diameter of said holes, and being configured in a predetermined array, the walls defining said holes forming the vertical junctions of said cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A vertical junction solar cell comprising: a. a semiconductor substrate of predetermined thickness having substantially parallel upper and lower surfaces; b. a plurality of electrically conducting strips on said upper surface and separating said upper surface into a plurality of distinct active areas, and an electrical header strip joining said conducting strips to provide a first electrical contact for said cell; c. a second electrical contact on said lower surface; and d. each of said active areas including a plurality of closely spaced holes of predetermined depth into said substrate, said holes having a substantially circular cross-section and a depth less than said substrate thickness and greater than the diameter of said holes, and being configured in a predetermined array, the walls defining said holes forming the vertical junctions of said cell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The solar cell as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined array is hexagonal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-10-10 | 1987-04-11 | 1987-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-10 | 1991-04-11 | 1991-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-10 | 1995-04-11 | 1995-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |