Multijunction photovoltaic device and method of manufacture

Claim 2

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer formed on said interface layer and having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 3

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein the intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell has a thickness between 600 and 700 Å.

Claim 4

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein the intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell has a thickness between 1,500 and 2,500 Å.

Claim 5

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell is between 1.7 and 1.99 eV.

Claim 6

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell is between 1.45 and 1.65 eV.

Claim 7

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell is between 1.20 and 1.45 eV.

Claim 8

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell is between 1.7 and 1.99 eV, the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell is between 1.45 and 1.65 eV, and the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell is between 1.20 and 1.45 eV.

Claim 9

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein said interface layer is doped with a dopant of the n-type to form a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell.

Claim 10

The multijunction device of claim 8, wherein said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell further include an element selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine; and said interface layer being substantially free of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine.

Claim 11

The multijunction device of claim 1, wherein said interface layer is doped with a dopant of the p-type to form a tunnel junction with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 12

The multijunction device of claim 1, further comprising a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed between said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgaps of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 13

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising a p-type layer formed on said interface layer and having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 14

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising a p-type layer formed on said interface layer and having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 15

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising a p-type layer formed on said interface layer and having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 16

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising a p-type layer formed on said interface layer and having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 17

The multijunction device of claim 13, wherein said first layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 18

The multijunction device of claim 13, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 19

The multijunction device of claim 13, wherein said first and second layers each comprise a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 20

The multijunction device of claim 13, wherein said first layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 21

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 22

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 23

The multijunction device of claim 18, wherein the intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell has a thickness between 600 and 700 Å.

Claim 24

The multijunction device of claim 18, wherein the intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell has a thickness between 1,500 and 2,500 Å.

Claim 25

The multijunction device of claim 18, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell is between 1.7 and 1.99 eV, the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell is between 1.45 and 1.65 eV, and the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell is between 1.20 and 1.45 eV.

Claim 26

The multijunction device of claim 18, wherein said interface layer is doped with a dopant of the n-type to form a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 27

The multijunction device of claim 22, wherein said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell further including an element selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine; and said interface layer being substantially free of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine.

Claim 28

The multijunction device of claim 18, wherein said interface layer is doped with a dopant of the p-type to form a tunnel junction with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 29

The multijunction device of claim 18, further comprising a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed between said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgaps of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 30

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising: a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 31

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising: a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 32

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising: a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 33

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising: a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 34

The multijunction device of claim 27, wherein said first layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 35

The multijunction device of claim 27, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 36

The multijunction device of claim 27, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 37

The multijunction device of claim 27, wherein said first layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 38

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 39

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising, a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 40

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein the intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell has a thickness between 600 and 700 Å.

Claim 41

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein the intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell has a thickness between 1,500 and 2,500 Å.

Claim 42

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell is between 1.7 and 1.99 eV, the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell is between 1.45 and 1.65 eV, and the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell is between 1.20 and 1.45 eV.

Claim 43

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein said first interface layer is doped with a dopant of the n-type to form a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell.

Claim 44

The multijunction device of claim 36, wherein said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell further including an element selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine; and said first interface layer being substantially free of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine.

Claim 45

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein said first interface layer is doped with a dopant of the p-type to form a tunnel junction with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 46

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein said second interface layer is doped with a dopant of the n-type to form a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 47

The multijunction device of claim 39, wherein said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell further including an element selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine; and said interface layer being substantially free of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine.

Claim 48

The multijunction device of claim 32, wherein said second interface layer is doped with a dopant of the p-type to form a tunnel junction with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 49

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said first interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 50

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said first interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 51

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said first interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 52

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said first interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 53

The multijunction device of claim 43, wherein said first layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 54

The multijunction device of claim 43, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 55

The multijunction device of claim 43, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 56

The multijunction device of claim 43, wherein said first layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 57

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said second interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 58

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said second interface layer consists of first and second sublayers doped with a dopant of the n-type, said first sublayer consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second sublayer consisting of a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound, said first sublayer forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said second sublayer forming a tunnel junction with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 59

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said second interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 60

A multijunction photovoltaic device comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising: a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a first interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell, said first interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said first interface layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second interface layer and comprising: a p-type layer having a bandgap greater than the bandgap of said second interface layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, wherein said second interface layer consists of a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being doped with a dopant of the n-type and forming an ohmic contact with said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said second layer being doped with a dopant of the p-type and forming an ohmic contact with said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, a tunnel junction being formed between said first and second layers.

Claim 61

The multijunction device of claim 49, wherein said first layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 62

The multijunction device of claim 49, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 63

The multijunction device of claim 49, wherein said first and second layers each comprise an microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 64

The multijunction device of claim 49, wherein said first layer comprises an amorphous hydrogenated silicon compound and said second layer comprises a microcrystalline hydrogenated silicon compound.

Claim 65

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 66

A multijunction photovoltaic device, comprising: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on said transparent substrate; a first photovoltaic cell formed on said transparent electrode and comprising; a p-type layer formed adjacent said transparent electrode, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a second photovoltaic cell formed on said first photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer formed on said p-type layer, having a thickness less than 3000 Å, and being made of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; a third photovoltaic cell formed on said second photovoltaic cell and comprising, a p-type layer, an intrinsic layer of an amorphous semiconductor compound including silicon doped with germanium and having a bandgap less than the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell, formed on said p-type layer, and an n-type layer formed on said intrinsic layer; and a reflective electrode layer formed on said n-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 67

The multijunction device of claim 54, wherein the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said first photovoltaic cell is between 1.7 and 1.99 eV, the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said second photovoltaic cell is between 1.45 and 1.65 eV, and the bandgap of said intrinsic layer of said third photovoltaic cell is between 1.20 and 1.45 eV.

Claim 68

The multijunction device of claim 54, further comprising an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed between said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgaps of said n-type layer of said first photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell.

Claim 69

The multijunction device of claim 59, further comprising a second interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed between said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, said second interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgaps of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.

Claim 70

The multijunction device of claim 54, further comprising an interface layer of a semiconductor compound including silicon formed between said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell, said interface layer having a bandgap less than the bandgaps of said n-type layer of said second photovoltaic cell and said p-type layer of said third photovoltaic cell.