Patent ID: 8187904

Claim:
A method of forming a Group IBIIIAVIA compound layer for thin film solar cell fabrication, the method comprising: providing a base having a front surface and a back surface; depositing a precursor structure that comprises one layer over the front surface of the base, wherein the precursor structure includes at least one Group IB material, at least one Group IIIA material and at least one a Group VIA material; planarizing the one layer of the precursor structure by pressing a smooth surface onto the one layer of the precursor structure thus forming a planarized precursor structure; and reacting to form the Group IBIIIAVIA compound layer on the base, wherein the step of reacting comprises applying a heat in the range of 350-600° C. to the planarized precursor structure, wherein a Group VIA material is provided to the planarized precursor structure during the step of reacting.