Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric – Photoelectric – Cells
Reexamination Certificate
2011-08-16
2011-08-16
Michener, Jennifer K. (Department: 1728)
Batteries: thermoelectric and photoelectric
Photoelectric
Cells
Reexamination Certificate
active
07999176
ABSTRACT:
Improved photovoltaic devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exemplary photovoltaic device includes a semiconductor layer and a light-responsive layer (which can be made, for example, of a semiconductor material) which form a junction, such as a p-n junction. The light-responsive layer can include a plurality of carbon nanostructures, such as carbon nanotubes, located therein. In many cases, the carbon nanostructures can provide a conductive pathway within the light-responsive layer. In other embodiments, exemplary photovoltaic devices include semiconductor nanostructures, which can take a variety of forms, in addition to the carbon nanostructures. Further embodiments include a wide variety of other configurations and features. Methods of fabricating photovoltaic devices are also disclosed.
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Michener Jennifer K.
Slawski Magali P
Vanguard Solar, Inc.
Winstead PC
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