15 March 2010
First pv cells manufactured using high volume 6in GaAs machinery
RFMicro Devices claims to have manufactured the industry's first photovoltaic cell using high volume 6in gallium arsenide (GaAs) machinery.
The photovoltaic (PV) cell was manufactured in RFMD's existing wafer fabrication facilities with no fabrication equipment modifications.
In July 2009, RFMD announced it had entered into a cooperative agreement with the US Dept of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to develop a commercially viable and high volume capable compound semiconductor based process for high-performance multijunction PV cells.
NREL director Dan Arvizu (pictured), said: "NREL's collaboration with RFMD demonstrates our commitment to developing the best technologies for renewable energy and aligning with the most capable partners to commercialise and deploy each technology. We applaud RFMD's successful achievement of this first technical performance milestone."
The execution of RFMD's multi-year agreement with NREL is expected to result in the high volume production of PV cells in RFMD's fabs in 2012. According to NREL, its technology has demonstrated one of the world's highest reported solar cell conversion efficiencies, at 40.8% and continued substantial improvements in efficiency are anticipated.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.nrel.gov
http://www.rfmd.com
Companies
RF Micro Devices Inc
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