Photocell with fluorescent conversion layer

Abstract

A photocell device having enhanced conversion efficiency. The device is adapted to convert light energy to electrical energy in a semiconductor layer, to convert a first, monochromatic light, to a second light of different wavelength, in a fluorescent layer, to transmit the first light through a hot mirror layer, to reflect light from the hot mirror layer, and to reflect light from a mirror layer disposed at a second surface of the device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001] A process for converting light to electricity at an efficiency of at least about fifty percent.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] Commercially available prior art devices for converting light to electricity are relatively inefficient. These commercially available devices include photocells, which are characterized by the efficiency with which they can convert incident light energy to useful electrical energy. In general, such efficiency does not exceed about 23 percent. Thus, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,055, " . . . photosensitive optoelectronic devices have been constructed of a number of inorganic semiconductors. . . . Solar cells are characterized by the efficiency with which they can convert incident solar power to useful electric power. Devices utilizing crystalline or amorphous silicon dominate commercial applications and some have achieved efficiencies of 23% or greater. However, efficient crystalline-based devices, especially of large s...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Commercially available prior art devices for converting light to electricity are relatively inefficient.

However, efficient crystalline-based devices, especially of large surface area, are difficult and expensive to produce due to the problems inherent in producing large crystals without significant efficiency-degrading defects."

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