US4532373A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Amorphous photovoltaic solar cell
Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
•
Filing: 1984-03-14
•
Granted: 1985-07-30
•
Expires: 2004-03-14
Abstract
Abstract An amorphous photovoltaic energy conversion element for use in a solar cell is composed of a first layer formed of a p-type material, a second layer formed of an intrinsic amorphous semiconductor having a potential gradient formed therein and a third layer formed of a metal capable of coming into ohmic contact with the aforementioned intrinsic layer of amorphous semiconductor and exhibiting a lower work function than the work function of the intrinsic layer of amorphous semiconductor.
Inventors
- 👤 Hideharu Matsuura
- 👤 Kazunobu Tanaka
- 👤 Akihisa Matsuda
- 👤 Hideyo Okushi
- 👤 Hidetoshi Oheda
- 👤 Satoshi Yamasaki
- 👤 Nobuhiro Hata
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 09:25
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10F; H10F77/00; H10F77/20; H10F77/206; H10F77/211; H10F10/00; H10F10/10; H10F10/18; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
An amorphous photovoltaic energy conversion element for use in a solar cell, which comprises sequentially superposed first, second, and third layers, said first layer being formed of p-type material, said second layer being formed of an intrinsic amorphous semiconductor which has a potential gradient therein, and said third layer being formed of a metal which comes into ohmic contact with said second layer of intrinsic amorphous semiconductor and exhibits a work function lower than the work function of said second layer of intrinsic amorphous semiconductor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
An amorphous photovoltaic energy conversion element for use in a solar cell, which comprises sequentially superposed first, second, and third layers, said first layer being formed of p-type material, said second layer being formed of an intrinsic amorphous semiconductor which has a potential gradient therein, and said third layer being formed of a metal which comes into ohmic contact with said second layer of intrinsic amorphous semiconductor and exhibits a work function lower than the work function of said second layer of intrinsic amorphous semiconductor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
An amorphous photovoltaic energy conversion element according to claim 1, wherein said third layer of metal is formed of magnesium.
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) | 1988-07-29 | 1989-01-28 | 1989-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-07-29 | 1993-01-28 | 1993-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-07-29 | 1997-01-28 | 1997-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |