Detachable Epitaxial Films For Applications in Solar Energy

We have recently discovered the ability to grow high quality epitaxial semiconducting films on sapphire and then transfer them to convenient carriers for subsequent applications.  In essence, it appears as if transient covalent bonds are developed locking the initial ad-atoms into the symmetry of the lattice which are subsequently broken.  This allows us to readily remove large sections of undisturbed film, transfer to a range of alternate substrates and reuse the sapphire substrates an arbitrary number of times without polishing or extensive surface treatment.   The films can be very high quality, suitable for a wide range of detector & sensor applications, solar cells and flexible electronics.