Interconnected semiconductor devices

Claim 1

An interconnected array of semiconductor devices, said array comprising: a plurality of semiconductor devices arrayed on a substrate each spaced apart from each one adjacent thereto in that said plurality of semiconductor devices by a separating space having therein intervening material means, said plurality of semiconductor devices each having therein a support layer of a first conductive material and a corresponding layer of semiconductor material with first and second major surfaces such that said semiconductor material layer is separated at said second major surface thereof from said substrate by its corresponding support layer, said plurality of semiconductor devices each having a penetrating terminal therein of a second conductive material spaced apart from any said separating space and extending from said support layer therein through said semiconductor material layer therein to emerge at said first major surface of that said semiconductor material layer which remains a unitary electrically conductive body with that said penetrating terminal therethrough; and a plurality of interconnection layer means comprising at least a third conductive material which is transparent to visible light, said plurality of said interconnection layer means each being in electrical contact with said first major surface of said semiconductor material layer of one of said plurality of semiconductor devices and each further being in electrical contact with a said penetrating terminal where it emerges from said first major surface of said semiconductor material layer in an adjacent one of said plurality of semiconductor devices by having a selected one of that interconnection layer means and that penetrating terminal extend over said intervening material means across a said separating space to to thereby form an electrical interconnection, said third conductive material having an outer surface on a side thereof opposite said semiconductor material layer which is free of any of said intervening material means.