Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “ohmic contact”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8

RF operation of AlN/Al 0.25 Ga 0.75 N/AlN HEMTs with f T /f max of 67/166 GHz

Abstract We report on highly-scaled Al 0.25 Ga 0.75 N channel high electron mobility transistors. Regrown ohmic contacts covering the sidewall of the compressively strained Al 0.25 Ga 0.75 N channel exhibited a low contact resistance ofR c = 0.23 Ω · mm. Scaled devices with a T-shaped gate showed record high speed for any AlGaN-based transistors,f T /f max = 67/166 GHz, while simultaneously achieving high average breakdown field exceeding 2 MV cm −1 . The load-pull measurements performed at 10 GHz revealed a 20% peak power added efficiency with an output power density of 2 W mm −1 , which is mainly limited by the RF dispersion.

Physics↗

High-current, high-voltage AlN Schottky barrier diodes

AlN Schottky barrier diodes with low ideality factor (<1.2), low differential ON-resistance (<0.6 mΩ cm 2 ), high current density (>5 kA cm −2 ), and high breakdown voltage (680 V) are reported. The device structure consisted of a two-layer, quasi-vertical design with a lightly doped AlN drift layer and a highly doped Al 0.75 Ga 0.25 N ohmic contact layer grown on AlN substrates. A combination of simulation, current–voltage measurements, and impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed that the AlN/AlGaN interface introduces a parasitic electron barrier due to the conduction band offset between the two materials. This barrier was found to limit the forward current in fabricated diodes. Further, we show that introducing a compositionally-graded layer between the AlN and the AlGaN reduces the interfacial barrier and increases the forward current density of fabricated diodes by a factor of 10 4 .

Quiñones, C. E. (ORCID:0000000192703747)↗

Integrated thin film cadmium sulfide solar cell module

The design, development, fabrication and tests of flexible integrated thin-film cadmium sulfide solar cells and modules are discussed. The development of low cost and high production rate methods for interconnecting cells into large solar arrays is described. Chromium thin films were applied extensively in the deposited cell structures as a means to: (1) achieve high adherence between the cadmium sulfide films and the vacuum-metallized copper substrates, (2) obtain an ohmic contact to the cadmium sulfide films, and (3) improve the adherence of gold films as grids or contact areas.

Mickelsen, R. A.↗

Internal optical losses in very thin CW heterojunction laser diodes

Theoretical calculations are presented showing the relationship between the internal laser absorption and structural parameters appropriate for CW room-temperature lasers. These diodes have submicron-thick recombination regions, and very small spacings between the heat sink and the recombination region to minimize the thermal resistance. The optical loss is shown to be strongly dependent on the degree of radiation confinement to the active region. In particular, absorption in the surface GaAs layer providing the ohmic contact becomes very significant when the intermediate (AlGa)As layer is reduced below about 1 micron. It is further shown that excessive penetration into the GaAs regions gives rise to anomalies in the far-field radiation profiles in the direction perpendicular to the junction plane.

Butler, J. K.↗

Studies of heteroface solar cell performance

The development, fabrication, and failure modes of AlxGa(1-x)As-GaAs heteroface solar cells are described. Crystal growth, the diffusion of Zn into the GaAs layer to form the p-n junction, SEM studies of the diffusion length of GaAs, and procedures for making ohmic contacts are discussed.

Feucht, D. L.↗

Performance limitations of silicon solar cells

This paper discusses the performance limitations of silicon solar cells which have been identified and investigated using a detailed numerical analysis of solar cell operation. Efficiency limitations are discussed as related to doping densities, minority carrier lifetimes, widths of solar cell regions, surface recombination, antireflecting layers, and ohmic contact stripes. Areas in which improvements can be expected in performance are identified and discussed.

Hauser, J. R.↗

Quality control during IC processing

Manual gives detailed test procedures for controlling silicon-wafer processing in manufacture of integrated circuits. Included among 43 test procedures are: ionic, bacterial, and solids contamination of high-purity water needed for wafer processing; crystallographic reflection, purity, and orientation; substrate dimensions and finish; thickness of deposited epitaxial films; oxide quality; photoresist characteristics; pinholes in insulating layers; metallized adhesion; and quality of ohmic contact.

Source record↗

Automated Array Assembly, Phase 2. Low-cost Solar Array Project, Task 4

Work was done to verify the technological readiness of a select process sequence with respect to satisfying the Low Cost Solar Array Project objectives of meeting the designated goals of $.50 per peak watt in 1986 (1975 dollars). The sequence examined consisted of: (1) 3 inches diameter as-sawn Czochralski grown 1:0:0 silicon, (2) texture etching, (3) ion implanting, (4) laser annealing, (5) screen printing of ohmic contacts and (6) sprayed anti-reflective coatings. High volume production projections were made on the selected process sequence. Automated processing and movement of hardware at high rates were conceptualized to satisfy the PROJECT's 500 MW/yr capability. A production plan was formulated with flow diagrams integrating the various processes in the cell fabrication sequence.

Lopez, M.↗

Metallization of Large Silicon Wafers

A metallization scheme was developed which allows selective plating of silicon solar cell surfaces. The system is comprised of three layers. Palladium, through the formation of palladium silicide at 300 C in nitrogen, makes ohmic contact to the silicon surface. Nickel, plated on top of the palladium silicide layer, forms a solderable interface. Lead-tin solder on the nickel provides conductivity and allows a convenient means for interconnection of cells. To apply this metallization, three chemical plating baths are employed.

Pryor, R. A.↗

A New Method of Metallization for Silicon Solar Cells

A low cost ohmic contact on silicon solar cells based on molybdenum-tin metal systems was developed. The approach is based on the formulation of a screenable ink composed from molybdenum oxide and tin mixture. The reduction of Mo03 into Mo and the establishment of Mo 03:Sn ratio is studied. Both tasks were done in an experimental station constructed for this purpose. The results show that molybdenum was formed from its oxide at 800 C. and improved in bonding to silicon at 900 C. A 20% Mo03-80%Sn mixture was converted into metallic coating within this temperature range.

Macha, M.↗

Thin silicon solar cell performance characteristics

Refined techniques for surface texturizing, back surface field and back surface reflector formation were evaluated for use with shallow junction, single-crystal silicon solar cells. Each process was characterized individually and collectively as a function of device thickness and bulk resistivity. Among the variables measured and reported are open circuit voltage, short circuit current and spectral response. Substantial improvements were obtained by the utilization of a low cost aluminum paste process to simultaneously remove the unwanted n(+) diffused region, form the back surface field and produce an ohmic contact metallization. The highly effective BSF which results from applying this process has allowed fabrication of cells 0.05 mm thick with initial outputs as high as 79.5 mW/4 sq cm (28 C, AM0) and superior electron radiation tolerance. Cells of 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm thickness have been fabricated with power to mass ratios well in excess of 2 watts per gram.

Gay, C. F.↗

Analysis of the interaction of an electron beam with a solar cell. III - The effect of spacial variations of the number density of recombination centers on SEM measurements

By means of an exactly soluble model the short circuit current generated by a scanning electron microscope in a P-N junction has been determined in cases where the trap density is inhomogeneous. The diffusion length for minority carriers becomes then dependent on the spacial coordinates. It is shown that in this case the dependence of the Isc on characteristic parameters as cell thickness, distance of the beam excitation spot from ohmic contacts, etc., becomes very intricate. This fact precludes the determination of the local diffusion length in the usual manner. Although the model is somewhat simplified in order to make it amenable to exact solutions, it is nevertheless realistic enough to lead to the conclusion that SEM measurements of bulk transport parameters in inhomogeneous semiconductor material are impractical since they may lead to serious errors in the interpretation of the data by customary means.

Von Roos, O.↗

A new method of metallization for silicon solar cells

The new metallization process based on Mo-Sn system was studied. The reaction mechanism of MoO3 and its mixture with Sn was examined. The basic ink composition was modified in order to obtain a low ohmic contact to the cell. The electrical characteristics of the cells were comparable with the existing metallization processes. However, in comparison with the standard processes using silver as the contacting metal, the saving obtained by the use of the new process was substantial.

Macha, M.↗

The determination of transport parameters of minority carriers in n-p junctions by means of an electron microscope - Critique of recent developments

It has recently been shown that amplitude modulated electron beams provide a novel means for the determination of minority carrier lifetimes, diffusion lengths, etc., in n-p junctions. In this paper it is shown that: (1) a recently published analysis based on a cylindrically symmetric configuration is incorrect, (2) the correct approach leads to a system of dual integral equations for which the formal solution is given, (3) in general, the short circuit current can only be determined by means of extensive computer calculations except in the case of large front surface recombination velocities, and (4) the difficulties encountered with cylindrically symmetric configurations (circular ohmic contacts and the like) are completely avoided with a choice of a planar geometry since simple closed form expressions for the short circuit current are readily available in this case.

Von Roos, O.↗

The spectral response of a front surface field solar cell

A calculation of the short-circuit current as a function of wavelength of the incident light, induced in a front surface field solar cell, is presented. The cell consists of a P(+)-P-N(+) junction. The electric field present in the P(+) layer situated at the front surface (the surface exposed to the sun) boosts the minority carrier collection at the P-N(+) junction sufficiently to make this structure a viable alternative to ordinary solar cells. A distinct advantage derives from the placement of all ohmic contacts on the back-surface facilitating array assemblage.

Von Roos, O.↗

Results of the Air Force high efficiency cascaded multiple bandgap solar cell programs

The III-V semiconductor materials system that was selected for continued cascade cell development was the AlGaAs cell on GaAs cell structure. The tunnel junction used as transparent ohmic contact between the top cell and the bottom cell continued to be the central difficulty in achieving the program objective of 25 percent AMO efficiency at 25 C. During the tunnel junction and top cell developments it became apparent that the AlGaAs cell has potential for independent development as a single junction converter and is a logical extension of the present GaAs heteroface technology.

Rahilly, W. P.↗

Minority carrier diffusion lengths and absorption coefficients in silicon sheet material

Most of the methods which have been developed for the measurement of the minority carrier diffusion length of silicon wafers require that the material have either a Schottky or an ohmic contact. The surface photovoltage (SPV) technique is an exception. The SPV technique could, therefore, become a valuable diagnostic tool in connection with current efforts to develop low-cost processes for the production of solar cells. The technique depends on a knowledge of the optical absorption coefficient. The considered investigation is concerned with a reevaluation of the absorption coefficient as a function of silicon processing. A comparison of absorption coefficient values showed these values to be relatively consistent from sample to sample, and independent of the sample growth method.

Dumas, K. A.↗