IP Library Granted Patent US 8,334,455
Granted Patent B2
US 8,334,455 · App. 12/507,793 · Granted Dec 18, 2012

Photovoltaic devices including Mg-doped semiconductor films

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,334,455
App. No.
12/507,793
Granted
Dec 18, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A photovoltaic cell can include a dopant in contact with a semiconductor layer.

Claims (24)

1. A photovoltaic cell comprising:

a transparent conductive layer; and

a first semiconductor layer comprising CdS in direct physical contact with the transparent conductive layer, the first semiconductor layer doped with magnesium.

2. The photovoltaic cell of claim 1 , wherein the first semiconductor layer has a thickness of between about 200-3000 Angstroms.

3. The photovoltaic cell of claim 1 , wherein first semiconductor layer is doped with 1-20% magnesium.

4. The photovoltaic cell of claim 1 , wherein the transparent conductive layer is positioned over a substrate.

5. The photovoltaic cell of claim 1 , wherein the transparent conductive layer is positioned over the first semiconductor layer.

6. The photovoltaic cell of claim 1 , further comprising a second semiconductor layer in contact with the first semiconductor layer.

7. The photovoltaic cell of claim 6 , wherein the second semiconductor layer comprises CdTe.

8. The photovoltaic cell of claim 6 , wherein the second semiconductor layer is cadmium chloride-treated CdTe.

9. A system for generating electrical energy comprising:

a transparent conductive layer;

a first semiconductor layer comprising CdS in direct physical contact with the transparent conductive layer, the first semiconductor layer doped with magnesium;

a first electrical connection connected to a transparent conductive layer; and

a second electrical connection connected to a back metal electrode adjacent to a second semiconductor layer.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein first semiconductor layer includes is doped with 1-20% magnesium.

11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the transparent conductive layer is positioned over a substrate.

12. A photovoltaic cell comprising:

a transparent conductive layer positioned over a substrate;

a first semiconductor layer in direct physical contact with the transparent conductive layer, the first semiconductor layer comprising cadmium sulfide doped with magnesium; and

a second semiconductor layer including cadmium telluride in contact with the first semiconductor layer.

13. The photovoltaic cell of claim 12 , wherein the first semiconductor layer has a thickness of between about 200-3000 Angstroms.

14. The photovoltaic cell of claim 12 , wherein first semiconductor layer is doped with 1-20% magnesium.

15. The photovoltaic cell of claim 12 , wherein the cadmium telluride is cadmium chloride-treated CdTe.

Assignments (8)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 13, 2026
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 074858/0364 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 10, 2023
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 064237/0462 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0566 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded Nov 15, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 058132/0261 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 12, 2017
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 043177/0581 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PATENT APPLICATION 13/895113 ERRONEOUSLY ASSIGNED BY FIRST SOLAR, INC. TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. ON JULY 19, 2013 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 030832 FRAME 0088. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE CORRECT PATENT APPLICATION TO BE ASSIGNED IS 13/633664. Recorded Sep 19, 2014
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 033779/0081 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 19, 2013
From: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Reel/Frame 030832/0088 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 9, 2009
From: GUPTA, AKHLESH; POWELL, RICK C.; EAGLESHAM, DAVID
To: FIRST SOLAR, INC.
Reel/Frame 023204/0245 →