Composite Substrate Grid for Electro-Optical Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Current transparent conducting layers in electro-optic devices face a trade-off between high electrical conductivity and high optical transmission, as increasing conductivity leads to increased optical absorption and vice versa, limiting the performance of devices like photovoltaics.

Innovation Solution

A composite substrate with an optically transparent and electrically insulating base and an embedded electrically conducting grid is used, where the grid is shaped to minimize light blocking and reduce contact resistance, allowing for high conductivity and transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transparent conducting layers are used in electro-optic devices, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transmission deteriorates due to increased optical absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidoptical transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The conducting layer is segmented into a grid pattern rather than being continuous. This segmentation reduces the total amount of conducting material in the optical path, thereby reducing optical absorption while maintaining electrical conductivity through the grid structure. The grid divides the conducting function across multiple discrete elements that collectively provide the necessary electrical performance without blocking light.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grid structure implements local quality by concentrating conducting material only where electrical contact is needed (at intersection points and along grid lines) rather than uniformly across the entire layer. This localized distribution of conducting material reduces overall optical absorption while maintaining electrical functionality at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If continuous transparent conducting layers are used, then electrical conductivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to balance optical and electrical properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conducting layer is segmented into a grid pattern rather than being continuous. This segmentation reduces the total amount of conducting material in the optical path, thereby reducing optical absorption while maintaining electrical conductivity through the grid structure. The grid divides the conducting function across multiple discrete elements that collectively provide the necessary electrical performance without blocking light.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grid structure implements local quality by concentrating conducting material only where electrical contact is needed (at intersection points and along grid lines) rather than uniformly across the entire layer. This localized distribution of conducting material reduces overall optical absorption while maintaining electrical functionality at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient conversion of electromagnetic energy into electrical energy while maintaining high optical transmission, reducing in-series contact resistance and optical losses, thus enhancing the performance of electro-optic devices.

Implementation Method 1

an optically reflective material filling the grooves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

at least one photovoltaic module having first and second conductive layers and at least first and second semiconductor layers disposed between the conductive layers. The first and second semiconductor layers define a junction at an interface therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8187906B2Method for fabricating composite substances for thin film electro-optical devices

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 SUNLIGHT AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

A method is provided for producing an electro-optic device having at least one optically transparent conducting layer with low electrical resistance. The method includes providing a composite substrate that includes an optically transparent and electrically insulating base substrate and an electrically conducting grid disposed in grooves located in the base substrate. Also provided is an electro-optical module having at least one transparent conducting layer. The composite substrate is attached onto the electro-optic module such that electrical contact is established between the grid and the transparent conducting layer of the electro-optic module.