Patent ID: 8294025

Claim:
A photovoltaic device comprising: a first conductive layer; an array positioned on the first conductive layer and in direct physical contact with the first conductive layer, the first conductive layer and the array constituting an electrode; an active layer positioned in direct contact with the first conductive layer, the array being embedded in the active layer, the active layer being operable to generate and separate one or more of electrons and holes or excitons in response to impingement of light on the active layer; a second conductive layer disposed opposite the first conductive layer and in direct physical contact with the active layer, the second conductive layer constituting a counter electrode; the array comprising a plurality of collector elements extending perpendicularly from the first conductive layer; and both the first conductive layer and the array being individually operable to collect one of electrons or holes resulting from generation in the active layer and the second conductive layer being operable to collect the other of electrons or holes resulting from generation in the active layer.