Inventors:
David M. Schwartz - Fair Oaks CA, US
International Classification:
H01L 31/18, H01L 31/103, H01L 31/0296
US Classification:
136260, 136264, 136252, 438 89, 438 94, 438 95, 438 98, 438603, 257E31004
Abstract:
A photovoltaic cell is made by coating a metal foil substrate with cadmium telluride powder, moving the powder coated foil across a cold plate or series of cooled rollers to prevent the substrate from melting, while melting the cadmium telluride powder by passing the powder coated foil under a microwave energy source. This forms a thin film of cadmium telluride on the foil. The cadmium telluride coated foil is then coated with cadmium sulfide powder, which is melted by passing the powder coated foil under a microwave energy source, thereby creating a P-N junction, and the cadmium sulfide layer is coated with indium, which is fused to the cadmium sulfide layer by microwave heating.