Patent ID: 8637339
Filing Date: 2014-01-28
Classification: H01L,H02N,H02S,Y02E,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of forming an energy converter for converting vibrational energy of a vibrationally energized species into a useful form of energy, comprising: forming a substrate; forming a first semiconductor layer on the substrate; forming a second semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer, the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer forming a p-n junction; forming a tailoring layer on the second semiconductor layer, the tailoring layer comprising one or more ballistic charge carrier materials; forming an ohmic contact conductor on the tailoring layer, the ohmic contact conductor material comprising one or more ballistic charge carrier materials, the tailoring layer and the ohmic contact make a stable ohmic contact to the second semiconductor layer; and forming a stabilizing interlayer conductor on the ohmic contact conductor material, the stabilizing interlayer conductor physically isolating chemical reactants from the semiconductor layer and acts as a barrier against chemical transport, the stabilizing interlayer conductor comprising one or more ballistic charge carrier materials; and forming a conducting surface on the stabilizing interlayer conductor, the conducting surface being formed from one or more nanostructures in contact with a region having at least some vibrationally energized species.