"Ocean Tomo is extremely excited to offer this patent and the several applications from Ahura Energy in the auction," said Dean Becker, Vice Chairman, Ocean Tomo. "As the process can be used with many types of semiconductors and has applications in a wide variety of fields, including the cost-effective and environmentally friendly production of solar power systems cells, this patent portfolio is a valuable acquisition opportunity for any player in that field."
This production platform and process has been applied to many materials, for example, CdTe, Cupper Indium Gallium Diselenide (CIGS), GaAs, CdS, ZnSe, Si, Ge, GaP, GaAsP, InAs, InP, ZnS, ZnTe, CdSe, SiC, HgCdTe, SnTe, Zn3P2, and CuInS2, for semiconductors applications -- particularly in the field of solar cell manufacturing. The cost effectiveness of a solar power generation system based upon such technology meets and exceeds better than grid parity cost of under 5 cents/kWhr or under $1/watt.
When asked about the benefits of the invention, Fareed Sepehry-Fard, the inventor of the '659 Patent, responded, "The process disclosed in the patent leads to faster layer growth and has less material loss. The solid phase epitaxy described in this patent can be carried out at atmospheric pressures and moderate temperatures and does not rely on toxic or corrosive gases. This patent, ultimately, presents a more efficient and environmentally safe method for manufacturing semiconductors."