Patent ID: 8829335
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: H01L,H02S,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A thermo-photo-voltaic device comprising: a photovoltaic substrate; a heat source substrate having a planar top surface defining a plurality of wells extending down from the top surface of the heat source substrate into the heat source substrate, each well having a sidewall and a bottom; and a spacer anchored in each well and extending from the bottom of the well to the photovoltaic substrate, each spacer comprising: an elongated thin-walled structure having a top surface directed toward the photovoltaic substrate and extending above the top surface of the heat source substrate, the elongated thin-walled structure also having a lower portion below the top surface of the heat source substrate and into the heat source substrate so that the lower portion of the elongated thin-walled structure contacts the bottom and at least a portion of the sidewall of the well; wherein the elongated thin-walled structure provides the separation between the heat source substrate and the photovoltaic substrate.