Patent ID: 8921148
Filing Date: 2014-12-30
Classification: H01L,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of making a photovoltaic device, comprising the steps of: a) providing a substrate having a light incident surface and a backside surface and comprising at least one photovoltaic absorber, wherein the substrate includes at least one transparent conducting oxide layer interposed between the absorber and the light incident surface and wherein the at least one photovoltaic absorber comprises a chalcogenide-containing photovoltaic absorber having a thickness of 5 micrometers or less; b) causing a dielectric barrier layer to be positioned over the transparent conducting oxide layer; c) forming at least one via in the dielectric barrier layer that terminates at a location in the device such that the via provides open communication to the transparent conducting oxide layer through the dielectric barrier layer without penetrating all the way through the transparent conducting oxide layer; and d) forming an electrical contact that is electrically connected to the transparent conducting oxide layer, said electrical contact comprising a base formed in the via and a cap projecting above the dielectric barrier layer, wherein the cap of the electrical contact is wider than the base of the electrical contact in at least one dimension.