Patent ID: 8624108
Filing Date: 2014-01-07
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A photovoltaic cell, comprising: a substrate having a top surface and formed from a first electrically conductive material, that is etched on said top surface to create an array of grooves, such that said grooves have walls and a floor; an array of micrometer or nanometer sized rods, wires, or tubes formed from said first electrically conductive material deposited on said array of grooves vertically with respect to the floor of said grooves, with gaps in between each said rods, wires or tubes of said array of rods, wires, or tubes; a layer of second electrically conductive material deposited conformally on said rods, wires or tubes and said substrate, covering exposed surface of said rods, wires or tubes and said substrate, such that said layer forms charge separating junctions at interfaces with said rods, wires or tubes, and said substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to said layer; and a second electrode electrically connected to said substrate;