WO2013089554A1 - A light receiving and emitting device and method of producing thereof - Google Patents

A light receiving and emitting device and method of producing thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013089554A1
WO2013089554A1 PCT/MY2012/000183 MY2012000183W WO2013089554A1 WO 2013089554 A1 WO2013089554 A1 WO 2013089554A1 MY 2012000183 W MY2012000183 W MY 2012000183W WO 2013089554 A1 WO2013089554 A1 WO 2013089554A1
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Prior art keywords
module
light receiving
emitting device
photons
conducting layer
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PCT/MY2012/000183
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French (fr)
Inventor
Wai Mun Soong
Aun Shih Teh
Kai Sin Tan
Bien Chia Sheng Daniel
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Mimos Berhad
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Publication of WO2013089554A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013089554A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/12—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L27/00—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate
    • H01L27/15—Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier specially adapted for light emission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/12—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto
    • H01L31/14—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto the light source or sources being controlled by the semiconductor device sensitive to radiation, e.g. image converters, image amplifiers or image storage devices
    • H01L31/147—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto the light source or sources being controlled by the semiconductor device sensitive to radiation, e.g. image converters, image amplifiers or image storage devices the light sources and the devices sensitive to radiation all being semiconductor devices characterised by at least one potential or surface barrier
    • H01L31/153—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto the light source or sources being controlled by the semiconductor device sensitive to radiation, e.g. image converters, image amplifiers or image storage devices the light sources and the devices sensitive to radiation all being semiconductor devices characterised by at least one potential or surface barrier formed in, or on, a common substrate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
    • H01L31/00—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof
    • H01L31/12—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto
    • H01L31/16—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto the semiconductor device sensitive to radiation being controlled by the light source or sources
    • H01L31/167—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto the semiconductor device sensitive to radiation being controlled by the light source or sources the light sources and the devices sensitive to radiation all being semiconductor devices characterised by at least one potential or surface barrier
    • H01L31/173—Semiconductor devices sensitive to infrared radiation, light, electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength or corpuscular radiation and specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment thereof or of parts thereof; Details thereof structurally associated with, e.g. formed in or on a common substrate with, one or more electric light sources, e.g. electroluminescent light sources, and electrically or optically coupled thereto the semiconductor device sensitive to radiation being controlled by the light source or sources the light sources and the devices sensitive to radiation all being semiconductor devices characterised by at least one potential or surface barrier formed in, or on, a common substrate

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improvement in light receiving and emitting device, and more particularly to self-sustaining lighting device utilizing solar power.
  • Illuminating devices are becoming more prevalent with great numbers in lighting, signals, electronic displays and billboards in our surroundings. Such device undergoes continuous development to improve its performance especially in its energy efficiency and savings. As fossil energy sources runs low and with growing environmental and sustainability concerns, alternative energy sources are sought after with solar as an attractive candidate as a result of its availability throughout the year.
  • LED light emitting diode
  • p-n junction For solar cell, multiple p-n junctions with varying bandgap energies are used to absorb and convert light to electrical current which is then collected by metallic wires on its surface. This is because the p-n junction areas under the metal collectors are blocked from sunlight, so these areas are unable to absorb and convert any light energy.
  • LED is forward-biased to generate the light by radiative recombination of the carriers at the p-n junction. Therefore the emission of the light from the p-n junction will be blocked by the metal contact on the surface. Problem also arises if the p-n junction is too thick, which may result in re-absorption of the light. Hence, this reduces the luminescence efficiency of the LED.
  • the primary device in the present invention is the LED which is mainly used for illumination but with a secondary role as a photovoltaic cell to absorb the sunlight while it is not functioning as an illumination device.
  • the present invention overcomes these and other deficiencies of the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an improved light receiving and emitting device.
  • the invention provides a considerable reduction of materials with even greater efficiency and economically during operation.
  • the present invention provides a light receiving and emitting device comprising a photovoltaic module is grown on a substrate for absorbing photons and storing powers from the photons; a conducting layer for allowing photons to be absorbed in the photovoltaic module and to form a closed loop with a back contact; and a luminous module for emitting light using the powers from the photovoltaic module wherein the luminous device is grown on top of the conducting layer.
  • the photovoltaic module is a p-n junction photovoltaic cell module and the back contact is a metal contact that is formed at the back of the substrate.
  • the photovoltaic module is made of silicon, lll-V or ll-V semiconductor material and the photovoltaic module having bulk, multiple quantum well or quantum dot structure.
  • the photovoltaic module is integrated with carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires to increase the photons absorption.
  • the conducting layer is indium tin oxide (ITO) layer.
  • a front metal contact is provided and formed at the top of the luminous module.
  • the front metal contact is an annular shape to allow an emission of the photons out of an optical window of the luminous device.
  • the conducting layer is used as a back contact for the luminous module for allowing photons to be directed to the photovoltaic module.
  • the front metal contact is connected to the substrate via metal wires for heat dissipation.
  • the luminous module is a light emitting diode module and the light emitting diode module is formed from lll-V or ll-V semiconductor p-n junction with direct band gap.
  • a method of producing a light receiving and emitting device comprising growing a photovoltaic module on a substrate; growing a nanostructure on top of the photovoltaic module to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic in photons collection; depositing a conducting layer on top of the nanostructure; growing a luminous module on top of the conducting layer; and providing a front contact and a back contact with metalisation.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a monolithic hybrid light emitting diode (LED)-solar cell device functions as (a) illuminating device, and (b) photovoltaic (PV) device with LED as secondary solar cell in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • LED light emitting diode
  • PV photovoltaic
  • Figure 2 illustrates a LED module grown on top of the PV module and indium tin oxide (ITO) layer in accordance of an. embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a PV module of the device with nanomaterials incorporated into the multi-junction p-n solar cells in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the device which shows an optical, annular front contact transparent ITO layer in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a fabrication of LED module grown on top of the PV module and ITO layer,(a) Etch through to support substrate and (b) Etch through to PV layer in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart process of producing a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 illustrates an application of a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a monolithic hybrid light emitting diode (LED)-solar cell device functions as (a) illuminating device and (b) photovoltaic (PV) device with LED as secondary solar cell in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the primary device in the present invention is the LED which is mainly used for illumination but with a secondary role as a photovoltaic cell to absorb the sunlight while it is not functioning as an illumination device.
  • a light receiving and emitting device comprising a photovoltaic module is grown on a substrate for absorbing photons and storing powers from the photons; a conducting layer for allowing photons to be absorbed in the photovoltaic module and to form a closed loop with a back contact; and a luminous module for emitting light using the powers from the photovoltaic module wherein the luminous device is grown on top of the conducting layer.
  • the luminous module in the present invention refers a light emitting diode module.
  • Photovoltaic cells use sunlight to generate electricity. As such, photovoltaic cells may be used to power electrical devices by utilizing sunlight.
  • a photovoltaic cell can include two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by a conductive material, such as metal contacts, as direct current (DC).
  • FIG 2 illustrates a LED module (210) grown on top of the PV module (220) and indium tin oxide (ITO) layer (230) in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the LED module (210) is placed on top of the transparent conducting layer preferably indium tin oxide (ITO) layer (230).
  • the LED is made up of lll-V or ll-VI semiconductor p-n junction with direct bandgap.
  • the active region for radiative recombination is selected from bulk, quantum well or quantum dot structure.
  • a front metal contact (240) is formed at the top of the LED layer.
  • the front metal contact (410) is an annular shape to allow the emission of the photons out of the optical window (420), as shown in Figure 4.
  • the transparent conducting layer (430) acts as back contact for the LED module. This method is preferred as this allows the sunlight to reach the photovoltaic module also known as solar cell module.
  • the annular contact is connected to the substrate by metal wires.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a PV module (310) of the device with nanomaterials incorporated into the multi-junction p-n solar cells in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a p-n junction of photovoltaic cell module (310) is grown on top of a substrate (320).
  • a term "substrate” used herein may include a structure based on a semiconductor, having a semiconductor surface exposed. It should be understood that such a structure may contain silicon, silicon on insulator, silicon on sapphire, doped or undoped silicon, epitaxial layer supported by a semiconductor substrate, or another structure of a semiconductor.
  • the semiconductor may be silicon, germanium, Indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), or lead sulfide.
  • InGaAs is a semiconductor composed of Indium gallium arsenic. Other combinations thereof, may not be used in combination but not limited to the above.
  • the substrate described hereinafter may be one in which regions, conductive layers, insulation layers, their patterns, and/or junctions are formed.
  • the photovoltaic cell module (310) is made of silicon, lll-V or ll-V semiconductor materials.
  • the photovoltaic cell module (310) is selected of bulk, multiple quantum well or quantum dot structure. Due to the bandgap engineering capability of the lll-V and ll-V semiconductors, multiple-junction tandem solar cells is grown to absorb different wavelengths in the solar spectrum, as illustrated in Figure 3.
  • nanostructures (340) such as carbon nanotubes and Si nanowires are used to be integrated to the photovoltaic cell module (310). The larger surface area provided by the nanostructures is able to improve the efficiency of photon absorption.
  • a “nanostructure” is a structure having at least one region or characteristic dimension with a dimension of less than about 500 nm, e.g., less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50 nm, or even less than about 20 nm. Typically, the region or characteristic dimension will be along the smallest axis of the structure. Examples of such structures include nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, tripods, bipods, nanocrystals, nanodots, quantum dots, nanoparticles, and the like. Nanostructures can be substantially homogeneous in material properties, or in certain embodiments can be heterogeneous (e.g. heterostructures).
  • the nanostructures can be fabricated from essentially any convenient material or materials.
  • the nanostructures can comprise "pure” materials, substantially pure materials, doped materials and the like, and can include insulators, conductors, and semiconductors.
  • a nanostructure can optionally comprise one or more surface ligands (e.g., surfactants).
  • nanowire is a nanostructure that has one principle axis that is longer than the other two principle axes. Consequently, the nanowire has an aspect ratio greater than one; nanowires of this invention have an aspect ratio greater than about 1.5 or greater than about 2. Short nanowires, sometimes referred to as nanorods, typically have an aspect ratio between about 1.5 and about 10. Longer nanowires have an aspect ratio greater than about 10, greater than about 20, greater than about 50, or greater than about 100, or even greater than about 10,000.
  • the diameter of a nanowire is typically less than about 500 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm, more preferably less than about 150 nm, and most preferably less than about 100 nm, about 50 nm, or about 25 nm, or even less than about 10 nm or about 5 nm.
  • the nanowires of this invention can be substantially homogeneous in material properties, or in certain embodiments can be heterogeneous (e.g. nanowire heterostructures).
  • the nanowires can be fabricated from essentially any convenient material or materials.
  • the nanowires can comprise "pure" materials, substantially pure materials, doped materials and the like, and can include insulators, conductors, and semiconductors.
  • Nanowires are typically substantially crystalline and/or substantially monocrystalline, but can be, e.g., polycrystalline or amorphous. Nanowires can have a variable diameter or can have a substantially uniform diameter, that is, a diameter that shows a variance less than about 20% (e.g., less than about 10%, less than about 5%, or less than about 1%) over the region of greatest variability and over a linear dimension of at least 5 nm (e.g., at least 10 nm, at least 20 nm, or at least 50 nm). Typically the diameter is evaluated away from the ends of the nanowire (e.g. over the central 20%, 40%, 50%, or 80% of the nanowire).
  • a nanowire can be straight or can be e.g. curved or bent, over the entire length of its long axis or a portion thereof. In certain embodiments, a nanowire or a portion thereof can exhibit two- or three-dimensional quantum confinement.
  • the top of the photovoltaic cell is deposited with transparent and conducting layer (350) also known as electrically conducting layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) layer.
  • transparent and conducting layer also known as electrically conducting layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) layer.
  • ITO indium tin oxide
  • Figure 5 illustrates the fabrication process flow of an LED module on top of a PV module which comprises, forming the PV p-n junctions on top of the substrate, deposition of an ITO layer above the PV module, followed by formation of LED p-n junctions on top of the ITO layer, (a) Etching through the multiple p-n junctions of both LED and PV modules and also the substrate to form multiple LED and PV modules; or (b) Etch only the p-n junctions of the LED module stopping at the PV layer where individual LED modules are sitting on a single PV module in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart process of producing a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • a method of producing a light receiving and emitting device comprising by first stage growing a photovoltaic module on a substrate. A nanostructure is then grown on top of the photovoltaic module to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic in photons collection. Subsequently, a conducting layer is deposited on top of the nanostructure. A luminous module is grown on top of the conducting layer; and finally a front contact and a back contact are provided with metalisation.
  • Figure 7 illustrates an application of a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the dotted box represents the light receiving and emitting device (PV-LED hybrid).
  • the present invention optimises the performance and efficiency concomitantly.
  • the present invention can be applied to many sectors, such as street lights and billboards, embedded in the building windows to light up the interior and embedded in the automobiles for LED lighting system.
  • the light emitting diode module may be a chip LED.
  • a p-n junction solar photovoltaic cell combines with nanowires or nanotubes and hence increases the surface area for light absorption which subsequently improves the overall efficiency of the device.
  • Another advantage of the present invention is that the emitted light from the LED is multi-directional, the light is re-absorbed in the photovoltaic cell layers to further increase the efficiency of the solar cell.
  • the integrated LED can also be used as a photovoltaic cell during the day time to store the solar energy. When needed, the stored energy can be used to drive the LED, e.g. during night time, the energy can be used to power up the LED for illumination or billboard display purposes.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improvement in light receiving and emitting device, and more particularly to self-sustaining lighting device utilizing solar power. One of the advantages of the light receiving and emitting device of present invention is that a p-n junction solar photovoltaic cell combines with nanowires or nanotubes and hence increases the surface area for light absorption which subsequently improves the overall efficiency of the device. Another advantage of the present invention is that the emitted light from the LED is multi-directional, the light is re-absorbed in the photovoltaic cell layers to further increase the efficiency of the solar cell. The integrated LED can also be used as a photovoltaic cell during the day time to store the solar energy. When needed, the stored energy can be used to drive the LED, e.g. during night time, the energy can be used to power up the LED for illumination or billboard display purposes.

Description

A LIGHT RECEIVING AND EMITTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PRODUCING
THEREOF FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in light receiving and emitting device, and more particularly to self-sustaining lighting device utilizing solar power. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Illuminating devices are becoming more prevalent with great numbers in lighting, signals, electronic displays and billboards in our surroundings. Such device undergoes continuous development to improve its performance especially in its energy efficiency and savings. As fossil energy sources runs low and with growing environmental and sustainability concerns, alternative energy sources are sought after with solar as an attractive candidate as a result of its availability throughout the year.
At present, operation of both photovoltaic device and light emitting diode (LED) is based on p-n junction. For solar cell, multiple p-n junctions with varying bandgap energies are used to absorb and convert light to electrical current which is then collected by metallic wires on its surface. This is because the p-n junction areas under the metal collectors are blocked from sunlight, so these areas are unable to absorb and convert any light energy. On the other hand, LED is forward-biased to generate the light by radiative recombination of the carriers at the p-n junction. Therefore the emission of the light from the p-n junction will be blocked by the metal contact on the surface. Problem also arises if the p-n junction is too thick, which may result in re-absorption of the light. Hence, this reduces the luminescence efficiency of the LED.
When the LED is not functioning, the light receiving and emitting device is underutilized since LED has a p-n junction which can be deployed as a secondary solar cell. Currently, the illuminating (LED) and solar cell devices are separated. There is, thus, a need for an improved light receiving and emitting device for both energy storing and illuminating purposes. The primary device in the present invention is the LED which is mainly used for illumination but with a secondary role as a photovoltaic cell to absorb the sunlight while it is not functioning as an illumination device.
The present invention overcomes these and other deficiencies of the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an improved light receiving and emitting device. The invention provides a considerable reduction of materials with even greater efficiency and economically during operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a light receiving and emitting device comprising a photovoltaic module is grown on a substrate for absorbing photons and storing powers from the photons; a conducting layer for allowing photons to be absorbed in the photovoltaic module and to form a closed loop with a back contact; and a luminous module for emitting light using the powers from the photovoltaic module wherein the luminous device is grown on top of the conducting layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the photovoltaic module is a p-n junction photovoltaic cell module and the back contact is a metal contact that is formed at the back of the substrate.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the photovoltaic module is made of silicon, lll-V or ll-V semiconductor material and the photovoltaic module having bulk, multiple quantum well or quantum dot structure.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the photovoltaic module is integrated with carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires to increase the photons absorption.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the conducting layer is indium tin oxide (ITO) layer.
In one embodiment of the present invention a front metal contact is provided and formed at the top of the luminous module. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the front metal contact is an annular shape to allow an emission of the photons out of an optical window of the luminous device. In one embodiment of the present invention the conducting layer is used as a back contact for the luminous module for allowing photons to be directed to the photovoltaic module.
In one embodiment of the present invention the front metal contact is connected to the substrate via metal wires for heat dissipation.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the luminous module is a light emitting diode module and the light emitting diode module is formed from lll-V or ll-V semiconductor p-n junction with direct band gap. A method of producing a light receiving and emitting device comprising growing a photovoltaic module on a substrate; growing a nanostructure on top of the photovoltaic module to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic in photons collection; depositing a conducting layer on top of the nanostructure; growing a luminous module on top of the conducting layer; and providing a front contact and a back contact with metalisation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates a monolithic hybrid light emitting diode (LED)-solar cell device functions as (a) illuminating device, and (b) photovoltaic (PV) device with LED as secondary solar cell in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a LED module grown on top of the PV module and indium tin oxide (ITO) layer in accordance of an. embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a PV module of the device with nanomaterials incorporated into the multi-junction p-n solar cells in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the device which shows an optical, annular front contact transparent ITO layer in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a fabrication of LED module grown on top of the PV module and ITO layer,(a) Etch through to support substrate and (b) Etch through to PV layer in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart process of producing a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an application of a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be described in detail in connection with specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to". Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C," etc. is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." Figure 1 illustrates a monolithic hybrid light emitting diode (LED)-solar cell device functions as (a) illuminating device and (b) photovoltaic (PV) device with LED as secondary solar cell in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. The primary device in the present invention is the LED which is mainly used for illumination but with a secondary role as a photovoltaic cell to absorb the sunlight while it is not functioning as an illumination device. In one of the preferred embodiment, a light receiving and emitting device comprising a photovoltaic module is grown on a substrate for absorbing photons and storing powers from the photons; a conducting layer for allowing photons to be absorbed in the photovoltaic module and to form a closed loop with a back contact; and a luminous module for emitting light using the powers from the photovoltaic module wherein the luminous device is grown on top of the conducting layer. The luminous module in the present invention refers a light emitting diode module. Photovoltaic cells use sunlight to generate electricity. As such, photovoltaic cells may be used to power electrical devices by utilizing sunlight. A photovoltaic cell can include two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by a conductive material, such as metal contacts, as direct current (DC).
Figure 2 illustrates a LED module (210) grown on top of the PV module (220) and indium tin oxide (ITO) layer (230) in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 2, the LED module (210) is placed on top of the transparent conducting layer preferably indium tin oxide (ITO) layer (230). The LED is made up of lll-V or ll-VI semiconductor p-n junction with direct bandgap. The active region for radiative recombination is selected from bulk, quantum well or quantum dot structure. A front metal contact (240) is formed at the top of the LED layer. The front metal contact (410) is an annular shape to allow the emission of the photons out of the optical window (420), as shown in Figure 4. The transparent conducting layer (430) acts as back contact for the LED module. This method is preferred as this allows the sunlight to reach the photovoltaic module also known as solar cell module. For heat dissipation purpose, the annular contact is connected to the substrate by metal wires.
Figure 3 illustrates a PV module (310) of the device with nanomaterials incorporated into the multi-junction p-n solar cells in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. A p-n junction of photovoltaic cell module (310) is grown on top of a substrate (320). In the description, a term "substrate" used herein may include a structure based on a semiconductor, having a semiconductor surface exposed. It should be understood that such a structure may contain silicon, silicon on insulator, silicon on sapphire, doped or undoped silicon, epitaxial layer supported by a semiconductor substrate, or another structure of a semiconductor. And, the semiconductor may be silicon, germanium, Indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), or lead sulfide. InGaAs is a semiconductor composed of Indium gallium arsenic. Other combinations thereof, may not be used in combination but not limited to the above. In addition, the substrate described hereinafter may be one in which regions, conductive layers, insulation layers, their patterns, and/or junctions are formed.
Metal contact (330) is formed at the back of the substrate. The photovoltaic cell module (310) is made of silicon, lll-V or ll-V semiconductor materials. The photovoltaic cell module (310) is selected of bulk, multiple quantum well or quantum dot structure. Due to the bandgap engineering capability of the lll-V and ll-V semiconductors, multiple-junction tandem solar cells is grown to absorb different wavelengths in the solar spectrum, as illustrated in Figure 3. In order to further improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic cell in light collection, nanostructures (340) such as carbon nanotubes and Si nanowires are used to be integrated to the photovoltaic cell module (310). The larger surface area provided by the nanostructures is able to improve the efficiency of photon absorption. A "nanostructure" is a structure having at least one region or characteristic dimension with a dimension of less than about 500 nm, e.g., less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50 nm, or even less than about 20 nm. Typically, the region or characteristic dimension will be along the smallest axis of the structure. Examples of such structures include nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, branched nanowires, nanotetrapods, tripods, bipods, nanocrystals, nanodots, quantum dots, nanoparticles, and the like. Nanostructures can be substantially homogeneous in material properties, or in certain embodiments can be heterogeneous (e.g. heterostructures). The nanostructures can be fabricated from essentially any convenient material or materials. The nanostructures can comprise "pure" materials, substantially pure materials, doped materials and the like, and can include insulators, conductors, and semiconductors. A nanostructure can optionally comprise one or more surface ligands (e.g., surfactants).
A "nanowire" is a nanostructure that has one principle axis that is longer than the other two principle axes. Consequently, the nanowire has an aspect ratio greater than one; nanowires of this invention have an aspect ratio greater than about 1.5 or greater than about 2. Short nanowires, sometimes referred to as nanorods, typically have an aspect ratio between about 1.5 and about 10. Longer nanowires have an aspect ratio greater than about 10, greater than about 20, greater than about 50, or greater than about 100, or even greater than about 10,000. The diameter of a nanowire is typically less than about 500 nm, preferably less than about 200 nm, more preferably less than about 150 nm, and most preferably less than about 100 nm, about 50 nm, or about 25 nm, or even less than about 10 nm or about 5 nm. The nanowires of this invention can be substantially homogeneous in material properties, or in certain embodiments can be heterogeneous (e.g. nanowire heterostructures). The nanowires can be fabricated from essentially any convenient material or materials. The nanowires can comprise "pure" materials, substantially pure materials, doped materials and the like, and can include insulators, conductors, and semiconductors. Nanowires are typically substantially crystalline and/or substantially monocrystalline, but can be, e.g., polycrystalline or amorphous. Nanowires can have a variable diameter or can have a substantially uniform diameter, that is, a diameter that shows a variance less than about 20% (e.g., less than about 10%, less than about 5%, or less than about 1%) over the region of greatest variability and over a linear dimension of at least 5 nm (e.g., at least 10 nm, at least 20 nm, or at least 50 nm). Typically the diameter is evaluated away from the ends of the nanowire (e.g. over the central 20%, 40%, 50%, or 80% of the nanowire). A nanowire can be straight or can be e.g. curved or bent, over the entire length of its long axis or a portion thereof. In certain embodiments, a nanowire or a portion thereof can exhibit two- or three-dimensional quantum confinement.
The top of the photovoltaic cell is deposited with transparent and conducting layer (350) also known as electrically conducting layer such as indium tin oxide (ITO) layer. This allows incident photons to be absorbed in the photovoltaic cell module. The electrically conducting layer and back metal contact allow a closed loop for forward bias.
Figure 5 illustrates the fabrication process flow of an LED module on top of a PV module which comprises, forming the PV p-n junctions on top of the substrate, deposition of an ITO layer above the PV module, followed by formation of LED p-n junctions on top of the ITO layer, (a) Etching through the multiple p-n junctions of both LED and PV modules and also the substrate to form multiple LED and PV modules; or (b) Etch only the p-n junctions of the LED module stopping at the PV layer where individual LED modules are sitting on a single PV module in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart process of producing a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. A method of producing a light receiving and emitting device comprising by first stage growing a photovoltaic module on a substrate. A nanostructure is then grown on top of the photovoltaic module to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic in photons collection. Subsequently, a conducting layer is deposited on top of the nanostructure. A luminous module is grown on top of the conducting layer; and finally a front contact and a back contact are provided with metalisation. Figure 7 illustrates an application of a light receiving and emitting device in accordance of an embodiment of the present invention. The dotted box represents the light receiving and emitting device (PV-LED hybrid). The present invention optimises the performance and efficiency concomitantly. The present invention can be applied to many sectors, such as street lights and billboards, embedded in the building windows to light up the interior and embedded in the automobiles for LED lighting system.
According to the different aspect of the invention, the light emitting diode module may be a chip LED. Such a structure makes it possible to make the thickness of the light emitting diode module smaller than the case that a lead type LED is used. One of the advantages of the light receiving and emitting device of present invention is that a p-n junction solar photovoltaic cell combines with nanowires or nanotubes and hence increases the surface area for light absorption which subsequently improves the overall efficiency of the device. Another advantage of the present invention is that the emitted light from the LED is multi-directional, the light is re-absorbed in the photovoltaic cell layers to further increase the efficiency of the solar cell. The integrated LED can also be used as a photovoltaic cell during the day time to store the solar energy. When needed, the stored energy can be used to drive the LED, e.g. during night time, the energy can be used to power up the LED for illumination or billboard display purposes.
The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative and not to limit the scope of the claims and many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A light receiving and emitting device comprising a photovoltaic module is grown on a substrate for absorbing photons and storing powers from the photons; a conducting layer for allowing photons to be absorbed in the photovoltaic module and to form a closed loop with a back contact; and a luminous module for emitting light using the powers from the photovoltaic module wherein the luminous device is grown on top of the conducting layer.
2. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the back contact is a metal contact that is formed at the back of the substrate.
3. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the photovoltaic module is integrated with carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires to increase the photons absorption.
4. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the conducting layer is indium tin oxide (ITO) layer.
5. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein a front metal contact is provided and formed at the top of the luminous module.
6. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the front metal contact is an annular shape to allow an emission of the photons out of an optical window of the luminous device.
7. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the conducting layer is used as a back contact for the luminous module for allowing photons to be directed to the photovoltaic module.
8. The light receiving and emitting device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the front metal contact is connected to the substrate via metal wires for heat dissipation.
9. A method of producing a light receiving and emitting device comprising growing a photovoltaic module on a substrate;
growing a nanostructure on top of the photovoltaic module to increase the efficiency of the photovoltaic in photons collection;
depositing a conducting layer on top of the nanostructure;
growing a luminous module on top of the conducting layer; and
providing a front contact and a back contact with metalisation.
10. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the photovoltaic module is a p-n junction photovoltaic cell module.
1 1. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the nanostructure is carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires.
12. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the conducting layer is indium tin oxide (ITO) layer.
13. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the front contact is an annular shape to allow an emission of the photons out of an optical window of the luminous device.
14. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the conducting layer is used as a back contact for the luminous module for allowing photons to be directed to the photovoltaic module.
15. The method as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the luminous module is a light emitting diode module.
PCT/MY2012/000183 2011-12-14 2012-06-29 A light receiving and emitting device and method of producing thereof WO2013089554A1 (en)

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CN105140220A (en) * 2015-06-24 2015-12-09 苏州佳亿达电器有限公司 Graphene transparent conductive film based LED strip capable of color change at different temperatures
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US10310326B2 (en) 2016-10-10 2019-06-04 Hyperion Technology, LLC Liquid crystal display using the photovoltaic behavior of LED backlights as a source of electrical energy

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