Photovoltaic device using nano-spheres for textured electrodes

Abstract

An electronic device includes a substrate and a plurality of particles anchored to the substrate. An electrode material is formed over the particles and configured to form peaks over the particles. One or more operational layers are formed over the electrode material for performing a device function.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electronic device, comprising:
 a substrate;   a plurality of particles anchored to the substrate;   an electrode material formed over the particles and configured to form peaks over the particles; and   one or more operational layers formed over the electrode material for performing a device function.   
     
     
         2 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of particles include spheres with an average diameter between about 5 nm and 100 microns. 
     
     
         3 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the substrate and the electrode material include transparent materials. 
     
     
         4 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the particles include spheres which are close packed to provide a substantially uniform density of spheres. 
     
     
         5 . The device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of particles include at least one of polymeric polystyrene, silica, or a metallic material. 
     
     
         6 . A photovoltaic device, comprising:
 a substrate;   a plurality of spheres anchored to the substrate;   an electrode material formed over the spheres and configured to form peaks over the spheres;   a p-i-n stack conformally formed over the electrode material for absorbing and converting radiation to current flow; and   a second electrode formed over the p-i-n stack.   
     
     
         7 . The device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of spheres include an average diameter between about 5 nm and 100 microns. 
     
     
         8 . The device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the substrate and the electrode material include transparent materials. 
     
     
         9 . The device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the spheres are close packed to provide a substantially uniform density of spheres. 
     
     
         10 . The device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of spheres include at least one of polymeric polystyrene, silica, or a metallic material. 
     
     
         11 . The device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the p-i-n stack includes at least one of thin film silicon and polycrystalline silicon materials.