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Histiopteris incisa (Dennstaedtiaceae) is one of the most cosmopolitan species among the leptosporangiate ferns. Based on sequences of the chloroplast rbcL gene, we recognize two lineages within H. incisa, and these differ in scale and leaf morphology. This suggests that at least two evolutionarily distinct species are contained within present circumscriptions of H. incisa.

A high-mountain dwarf plant of Lysimachia japonica (Primulaceae) endemic to Yakushima is reported to be very unique in the dwarfing mechanism at cell level, and the plant is one of the candidates to be a key species to reveal the unsolved molecular mechanism of taxon-specific body size of plant. In the present study, we examined the crossability between the dwarf plant of L. japonica and its normal-sized lowland counterpart, and self- and cross-compatibilities within each linage. The results indicate that both dwarfed and normal-sized L. japonica are self- and cross-compatible within each ecotype and are bidirectionally cross-compatible with each other, suggesting that this plant possesses optimum life historical traits for further genetic analysis in order to clarify the mystery of molecular mechanism of taxon-specific body size.

In this study, an experiment was performed to determine how the addition of a second degree of freedom to a vibratory system affects its energy extraction from a surrounding fluid flow. A circular cylinder was submerged underwater and subjected to flow, and another cylinder mounted on springs was inserted between the submerged cylinder and a generator. The experiment results demonstrated that vortex-induced vibration occurred at frequencies that were locked-in to the first and second natural modes for reduced velocity ranges of 5.0–9.0 and greater than 12.0, respectively. The output voltages were particularly high when the vibration frequency was locked-in to that of the second natural mode. It was found that application of energy extraction using a system with two degrees of freedom can widen the range of reduced velocity within which power extraction is effective.

The wide geographical distribution of many fern species is related to their high dispersal ability. However, very limited studies surveyed biological traits that could contribute to colonization success after dispersal. In this study, we applied phylogenetic approaches to infer historical biogeography of the fern genus Deparia (Athyriaceae, Eupolypods II). Because polyploids are suggested to have better colonization abilities and are abundant in Deparia, we also examined whether polyploidy could be correlated to long-distance dispersal events and whether polyploidy could play a role in these dispersals/establishment and range expansion. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic reconstructions were based on a four-region combined cpDNA dataset (rps16-matK IGS, trnL-L-F, matK and rbcL; a total of 4252 characters) generated from 50 ingroup (ca. 80% of the species diversity) and 13 outgroup taxa. Using the same sequence alignment and maximum likelihood trees, we carried out molecular dating analyses. The resulting chronogram was used to reconstruct ancestral distribution using the DEC model and ancestral ploidy level using ChromEvol. We found that Deparia originated around 27.7 Ma in continental Asia/East Asia. A vicariant speciation might account for the disjunctive distribution of East Asia–northeast North America. There were multiple independent long-distance dispersals to Africa/Madagascar (at least once), Southeast Asia (at least once), south Pacific islands (at least twice), Australia/New Guinea/New Zealand (at least once), and the Hawaiian Islands (at least once). In particular, the long-distance dispersal to the Hawaiian Islands was associated with polyploidization, and the dispersal rate was slightly higher in the polyploids than in diploids. Moreover, we found five species showing recent infraspecific range expansions, all of which took place concurrently with polyploidization. In conclusion, our study provides the first investigation using phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses trying to explore the link between historical biogeography and ploidy evolution in a fern genus and our results imply that polyploids might be better colonizers than diploids.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An altitudinal gradient of leaf wettability is often observed between and within species. To understand its functional significance, positional variation of leaf surfaces within plants should be taken into account. In rosette-forming plants, rosette leaves are near the ground and their adaxial surfaces are exposed, whereas cauline leaves are lifted from the ground throughout the reproductive season, and their abaxial surfaces are more exposed. Here, we investigated leaf wettability of cauline and rosette leaves of Arabidopsis halleri subsp. gemmifera growing in contrasting montane habitats along an altitudinal gradient at Mt Ibuki, Japan. METHODS: We conducted field investigations and a growth chamber experiment to determine whether field-observed variation in leaf wettability was caused by genetic differentiation. We further performed gene expression analysis of a wax-related gene, i.e. AhgCER1, a homologue of A. thaliana ECERIFERUM1 (CER1) that may be involved in differentiation of leaf wettability. KEY RESULTS: We found cauline-leaf specific genetic differentiation in leaf wettability between contrasting montane habitats. Cauline leaves of semi-alpine plants, especially on abaxial surfaces, were non-wettable. Cauline leaves of low-altitudinal understorey plants were wettable, and rosette leaves were also wettable in both habitats. AhgCER1 expression corresponded to observed leaf wettability patterns. CONCLUSIONS: Low wettability of cauline leaves is hypothesized to keep exposed surfaces dry when they are wrapping flowering buds in early spring, and presumably protects flowering buds from frost damage. The genetic system that controls wax content, specifically for cauline leaves, should be involved in the observed genetic differentiation, and AhgCER1 control is a strong candidate for the underlying genetic mechanism.

The chromosome number and phylogenetic position of the monotypic eusporangiate genus Mankyua (Ophioglossaceae), which shares peculiar morphological characteristics with Ophioglossum s.l. and Helminthostachys, were determined. Meiotic and mitotic chromosome observations of Mankyua show n = 130 and 2n = ca. 260, suggesting that the base number of this genus is x = 130, which is a new finding and the highest base number reported so far for Ophioglossaceae. The molecular phylogenetic trees derived from nucleotide sequence variation of rbcL and matK genes differ in terms of the phylogenetic position of Mankyua. The molecular phylogenetic trees based on combined data sets of rbcL and matK suggest that Mankyua might be the earliest-diverging lineage of Ophioglossaceae.

A localized plasma confinement chemical vapor deposition (LPC-CVD) method with special cathode structures was proposed to solve problems of stability and uniformity of plasma under high pressure (>;1000 Pa). The initial conversion efficiency achieved by LPC-CVD for an a-Si/μc-Si tandem solar cell was 10.4% (1 cm2) for a 550 × 650 mm2 substrate at the deposition rate of 2.2 nm/s. Since then, we have been developing high-rate deposition technology for 1100 × 1400 mm2 substrates (Generation 5.5 (G5.5) size). A-Si/ μc-Si tandem solar modules have been achieved with an efficiency of 11.1% (initial) and 10.0% (stable) and a deposition rate of 2.4 nm/s on a G5.5-size substrate.

Independent gametophyte ferns are unique among vascular plants because they are sporophyteless and reproduce asexually to maintain their populations in the gametophyte generation. Such ferns had been primarily discovered in temperate zone, and usually hypothesized with (sub)tropical origins and subsequent extinction of sporophyte due to climate change during glaciations. Presumably, independent fern gametophytes are unlikely to be distributed in tropics and subtropics because of relatively stable climates which are less affected by glaciations. Nonetheless, the current study presents cases of two independent gametophyte fern species in subtropic East Asia. In this study, we applied plastid DNA sequences (trnL-L-F and matK + ndhF + chlL datasets) and comprehensive sampling (~80%) of congeneric species for molecular identification and divergence time estimation of these independent fern gametophytes. The two independent gametophyte ferns were found belonging to genus Haplopteris (vittarioids, Pteridaceae) and no genetic identical sporophyte species in East Asia. For one species, divergence times between its populations imply recent oversea dispersal(s) by spores occurred during Pleistocene. By examining their ex situ and in situ fertility, prezygotic sterility was found in these two Haplopteris, in which gametangia were not or very seldom observed, and this prezygotic sterility might attribute to their lacks of functional sporophytes. Our field observation and survey on their habitats suggest microhabitat conditions might attribute to this prezygotic sterility. These findings point to consideration of whether recent climate change during the Pleistocene glaciation resulted in ecophysiological maladaptation of non-temperate independent gametophyte ferns. In addition, we provided a new definition to classify fern gametophyte independences at the population level. We expect that continued investigations into tropical and subtropical fern gametophyte floras will further illustrate the biogeographic significance of non-temperate fern gametophyte independence.

A fabrication technology for high-quality, device-grade microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si) thin film with a higher deposition rate has been required to reduce the production cost of amorphous silicon (a-Si)/μc-Si tandem modules. Localized Plasma Confinement CVD (LPC-CVD) has been proposed as one solution to this problem. It was found that this CVD is suitable for the deposition of high crystalline fractions and (220) orientation in the development of small-to-medium-size substrates. Since then, we have been developing high-rate deposition technology for production-size substrates by using the essence of LPC-CVD and evaluation techniques for μc-Si materials and plasma. A stabilized module efficiency of 11.1% was reported with a very high deposition rate on a production-size substrate. To improve conversion efficiency, we have been focusing on elemental technologies as well as high-rate deposition technology. Stabilized conversion efficiency of 12.2% for small-size cells (1 cm2) and stabilized module conversion efficiency of 10.7% for production-size substrates were achieved.

Methods to achieve a good balance among a high conversion efficiency, a large panel size and a high deposition rate of µc-Si:H for mass production are shown here. For this purpose, an original technology called the Localized Plasma Confinement CVD (LPC-CVD) method is investigated. Using know-how from this method, an amorphous silicon/microcrystalline silicon (µc-Si:H) solar panel, whose size is Gen. 5.5 (1100 mm × 1400 mm) and whose µc-Si:H deposition rate is 2.4 nm/s, with a conversion efficiency of 11.1% (Voc = 161.7 V, Isc = 1.46 A, FF = 72.4%, Pmax = 171 W) is obtained. It is also experimentally confirmed that the value is equivalent to 10.0% of stabilized efficiency. Various reliability tests that conform to IEC standards have been performed for solar modules. It has been shown that the solar modules adapt to the major categories of IEC standards. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Several cytotypes (polyploids and aneuploids) have been reported in Lepisorus thunbergianus. The relationships between these cytotypes within the species remain poorly understood. We studied populations in an area where various cytotypes of L. thunbergianus as well as two diploid species, L. angustus and L. onoei, candidate parental species that may be involved in allopolyploid origins of L. thunbergianus polyploids, occur. We determined the ploidy levels of sampled materials by direct chromosome counting and flow cytometry. We elucidated the origins of L. thunbergianus polyploids by analyzing allozyme polymorphisms, and in addition, we examined the occurrence of segmental allopolyploidy by comparing allelic variation between polyploids and their parental diploids. Six cytotypes, i.e. one diploid (2n = 50), two triploid (2n = 75 and 76) and three tetraploid (2n = 100, 101, and 102) cytotypes, were observed in L. thunbergianus, and the two diploid species, L. angustus (2n =52) and L. onoei (2n =50) were confirmed to include a single cytotype each. Allozyme analyses indicated that the tetraploid (2n =100) and hypertetraploid (2n = 102) of L. thunbergianus originated by allopolyploidy between diploid L. thunbergianus (2n = 50) and diploid L. angustus (2n = 52), since the polyploids shared alleles with these two diploids that were unique to each diploid. The allozyme patterns excluded the possibility that L. thunbergianus polyploids originated from L. onoei. The unbalanced heterozygosity and homozygosity found in the tetraploid and the hypertetraploid of L. thunbergianus indicated their segmental allopolyploidy.

In order to clarify patterns of hybrid formation in the Asplenium nidus complex, artificial crossing experiments were performed between individuals of genetically differentiated groups based on the sequence of the rbcL gene, including A. australasicum from New Caledonia, A. setoi from Japan and several cryptic species in the A. nidus complex. No hybrid plants were obtained in crosses between nine of the 16 pairs. Even for pairs that generated hybrids, the frequency of hybrid formation was lower than expected given random mating, or only one group was able to act as the maternal parent, when the genetic distance (Kimura's two parameter) between parental individuals was at least 0.006. Sterile hybrids were produced by three pairs that were distantly related but capable of forming hybrids. Considering the results of the crosses together with the genetic distance between the parental individuals, it seems that the frequency of hybrid formation decreases rapidly with increasing divergence. The frequency of hybrid formation has not been previously examined in homosporous ferns, but it seems that a low frequency of hybrid formation can function as an important mechanism of reproductive isolation between closely related pairs of species in the A. nidus complex in addition to hybrid sterility. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160, 42–63.

According to the most recent monograph of the genus Deparia, Deparia petersenii is a species in the section Athyriopsis, which is one of the four sections of the genus Deparia. Because few diploids have been reported in the section Athyriopsis, no studies attempting to deduce how polyploid Athyriopsis species have originated have been conducted. We report here on the genetic structure and relationships of diploid D. petersenii, which is a new cytotype we discovered in Taiwan. Although the diploid populations have extensive morphological variation, the results of isozyme analysis indicate that the diploid plants belong to a single biological species. We examined the genetic relationship between the diploids and the other cytotypes (tetraploid and hexaploid) by sequencing variable chloroplast DNA regions (rbcL and ndhF). Two major haplotypes found in the diploids were shared with some of the tetraploids. Therefore, we concluded that the tetraploid D. petersenii has evolved from the diploid at least twice. T...

The present paper deals with Photo-CVD combining both monosilane(SiH4) and ozone(O3) under atmospheric pressure. The purpose of this study is to prepare silicon dioxide (SiO2) thin films, which have high transparency and a high deposition rate, without thermal and chemical damage to the substrate. In this paper, characteristics of the SiO2 thin films are experimentally investigated. This paper will conclude that Photo-CVD using ozone as opposed to pure oxygen can improve the deposition rate of SiO2 thin films to 37.6nm/min under the comparatively lower substrate temperature of 147°C. An added benefit is the improvement of the optical and physical property of SiO2 thin films. And the most important parameter to increase the deposition rate is the concentration of ozone. Therefore, further improvement of the deposition rate may be possible by using higher density ozone.

携帯機器の需要の高まりとともに, それらに搭載する2次電池への要求も高まっている. これらの製造プロセスにおいて, レーザによる封止 (封口) 技術は, 高品質・高信頼性のための中核技術の1つである. 本研究では, この化学電池のレーザ封口条件を計算機上で最適化することが可能な三次元異種材料の複合構造における温度分布シミュレーションを開発した.

アモルファスシリコン (a-Si) 系太陽電池に必要なガラス基板上に形成された透光性導電酸化膜のレーザパターニングに対し, 熱的損傷に関するレーザ光パルス幅の影響を評価し, ランプ励起方式に比べ, LD励起方式の方が熱的損傷を低減できることを明らかにした. また, レーザ照射条件と加工特性との関係を実験的に検討し, 電気的特性と高品位な被加工部形状とを両立する加工条件を見出した.

Multi-layer thin film, which consists of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and thin metal films, is used to form solar cells. Laser beam processing is one of the most important techniques to create the integrated structure of a-Si:H solar cells. Unfortunately heat affection of a-Si:H, a serious problem for solar cells, occurs during laser processing. However, it is possible to remove multi-layer thin film without heat affection by back-side irradiation with a SHG YAG laser, in which the laser beam irradiates a-Si:H through glass. This method is being investigated experimentally and the mechanisms of the method are discussed. It is found that the removal of multi-layer thin film is preceded by the creation of hydrogen pressure, which evolves from the decomposition of a-Si:H.

This paper reviews recent progress in large-area a-Si/a-SiGe tandem solar cells at Sanyo. Optimized hydrogen dilution conditions for high-rate deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films and thinner i-layer structures have been systematically investigated for improving both the stabilized efficiency and the process throughput. As a result, a high photosensitivity of 10 6 for a-Si:H films has been maintained up to the deposition rate of 15 A/s. Furthermore, the world's highest initial conversion efficiency of 11.2% which corresponds to a stabilized efficiency of about 10% has been achieved for a 8252 cm 2 a-Si/a-SiGe tandem solar cell by combining the optimized hydrogen dilution and other successful technologies.

This paper reviews recent progress in large-area a-Si/a-SiGe tandem solar cells at Sanyo. Considerable efforts have been devoted to improving both the stabilized efficiency and the production throughput. High-speed patterning using plasma chemical vaporization machining (CVM) has been successfully applied to the a-Si patterning of a 1200 cm 2 a-Si integrated-type submodule. The optimization of the hydrogen dilution has led to a high stabilized efficiency of 9.2% for a 1200 cm 2 a-Si/a-SiGe tandem submodule whose photovoltaic layers are deposited at 3 A/s. A scale-up of the submodule size from 1200 to 5400 cm 2 is now being done in a pilot plant, which has been operating since April 1999.

A solar cell is a large-area diode with a p-n or a p-i-n junction. Since the invention of the first solar cell with a p-n junction by G.L. Pearson et al. in 1954, various types of solar cells have been investigated. Especially in the decade since 2000, a wide diversity of cell structures, conversion efficiencies and production amounts for solar cells (photovoltaics) were developed. Among them, in the field of thin-film silicon solar cells, the adoption of a p-i-n junction, which means employing an intrinsic amorphous silicon (i-a-Si) layer between the p and n layers, and the stacked type (multi-junction) structure are very important. The i-a-Si layer between doped layers made it possible to obtain photovoltage from the thin-film silicon. And with the multi-junction structure, they have achieved high voltage, high collection efficiency and a low light degradation ratio compared with the single junction.

Hot spring binary cycle power generation is one of the important renewable energy system, and the effective utilization of surplus hot spring water has been demanded in Japan. However, the stable operation of these facilities is difficult because the adhesion scales of calcium carbonate and silica/silicate cause pipe blockage and hindrance to heat exchange. Though present practical inhibition technique is an injection of chemicals to hot spring water, there is a demand for scale countermeasures that are more environmentally benign. The material surface treatment or modification is expected to be able to suppress the formation of scales without causing an environmental harm. However, there are few s reports about such materials because it is due to the lack of knowledge about the microstructure of the scales formed in actual geothermal hot water environments. In this study, we analyzed microstructure to understand the initial scaling process in the hot spring water. Specimens were immersed in hot spring water from Honda-Yudayuu source (Obama town, Unzen city, Nagasaki pref., Japan). Immersion sites were the aeration tank and the drain after it. Austenitic stainless steel (Type 316) sheets were used as specimens. To observe time variation of microstructure, specimens were immersed for 3 days. SEM with an EDS detector was used to characterize the microstructure of the scales. The scales of calcium carbonate and magnesium silicate were confirmed in both the tank and the drain. Saturation index (SI) of the hot spring water gushed from Honda-Yudayuu source was analyzed. In the result, calcium carbonate and magnesium silicate showed super saturation. The formed scale species were in accordance with the scales predicted by thermodynamic equilibrium calculation. In all immersion time, calcium carbonate and magnesium silicate were observed. The amount of calcium carbonate didn’t change, and there are a few particles on the sample. On the other hand, the amount of magnesium silicate increased with duration, and magnesium silicate overall formed on the samples immersed for 3 days. Therefore, initially formed scale is not calcium carbonate but magnesium silicate. There are two types of the precipitation morphology of magnesium silicate. One type is particle, and another is net-like appearance. In the drain, only particulate magnesium silicates were observed. In the aeration tank, not only particulate magnesium silicate but also net-like one were observed after the immersion time of 1 day. The particulate magnesium silicates grew by the aggregation of particles, and net-like magnesium silicate grew with the formation covering on the surface of specimen. Adhesion mechanisms can be classified as either chemical interaction (oxidation reduction reaction and condensation one etc.) or physical interaction (van der Waals force and gravity force etc.). Generally, bonding force by chemical interaction is larger than that of physical one. Then, the adhesion strengths of particulate magnesium silicate and net-like one were evaluated. The adhesion strength of net-like magnesium silicate is larger than that of particulate magnesium silicate. Particulate magnesium silicate is considered to adhere by the physical interaction, and net-like magnesium silicate may adhere by chemical interaction.

We developed a high-conversion-efficiency, a-Si/µc-Si tandem solar module using µc-Si thin film on a Gen. 5 class glass substrate. The stabilized module efficiency was 10.7% (initial module efficiency: 12.0%). We prepared high-performance a-Si/µc-Si tandem solar cells based on our original technology for µc-Si thin films with localized plasma confinement chemical vapor deposition, optical confinement techniques, and laser patterning. To obtain higher conversion efficiency, optical confinement techniques are crucial, especially transparent conductive oxide (TCO) controlling technology. However, high-performance TCO includes steep valleys in the texture structure. Therefore, many defective regions are generated in the deposition of µc-Si thin film that degrade the solar cell performance. In this study we structurally identified these defective regions and propose a new formation model of the defective regions.

The technology to make high-quality, high-reliability solar modules with a high deposition rate for μc-Si thin-film is a problem for the industrialization of low-cost, high-conversion-efficiency a-Si/μc-Si tandem structure solar modules. Sanyo has solved this problem by developing an original CVD technique called Localized Plasma Confinement CVD and a new evaluation method for μc-Si thin film. A stabilized conversion efficiency of 10.0% was achieved for an a-Si/μc-Si tandem structure solar module, and a deposition rate of 2.4 nm/s for μc-Si thin-film was attained on a Gen. 5.5 full-size glass substrate. To obtain a higher conversion-efficiency a-Si/μc-Si tandem structure solar module, fundamental studies of μc-Si thin-film have been performed, and a stabilized conversion efficiency of 10.5% (Initial solar module conversion efficiency: 12.0%) has been achieved on a large-area glass substrate. Furthermore, in the study of this development, the highest stabilized conversion efficiency of 12.0% (Initial conversion-efficiency: 13.5%) was attained. Module reliability tests confirmed by IEC 61646 Ed. 2 revealed that the performance of the module is adapted. These high-performance a-Si/μc-Si tandem structure solar modules were prepared by using the knowledge of our thin-film and module technologies.

The feasibility of later-generation hybrid production in ferns has not been previously studied, although it is a significant factor in relation to reproductive isolation. Osmunda × intermedia, a hybrid between O. japonica and O. lancea, is semifertile and has moderate spore germination rates. Under the artificial conditions of this study, F2 and F3 offspring were formed. Some of the F2 offspring showed precocity, and some of the F3 offspring also showed precocity. This fertility suggests that introgressive hybridization might be ongoing in nature. This also indicates a currently unknown genetic control over the timing of fertile frond production in Osmunda.

We have been developing original technologies for Localized Plasma Confinement (LPC) CVD method. LPC-CVD method achieves both a high deposition rate and a high conversion efficiency. From the results of IR analysis and Raman spectroscopy for µc-Si i-layer thin films, it was suggested that the combination of high stretching mode fractions in IR spectra and Raman crystallinity may have a correlation with the conversion efficiency of a-Si/µc-Si tandem cells. An R&D line for processing a-Si/µc-Si solar modules on G5.5 size glass substrates (1100 × 1400 mm2) has been constructed. Module efficiency of 11.1% (Initial) and 10.0% (Stable) has been achieved with a film deposition rate for the µc-Si i-layer of 2.4 nm/s on a G5.5 size substrate.

Many plant species are miniaturized in the alpine region in Yakushima, Japan. To examine how these alpine dwarf plants are different from their related lowland ones of the same species, we analyzed two phylogenetically distinct species cytologically, genetically and morphologically: one is a fern species, Blechnum niponicum, and the other is an angiosperm species, Lysimachia japonica. The analysis shows that the alpine dwarf and the lowland plants in each of these species do not differ in chromosome number or genetic constitution. The organ-level comparison between the alpine dwarf and lowland plants of B. niponicum shows that the fertile leaf size correlates closely with the sterile one. By contrast, the flower size does not correlate with the leaf size in L. japonica. At the cell level, the leaf size of the alpine dwarf plants of B. niponicum consists of a smaller number of epidermal cells than that of the lowland plants of this species. On the other hand, the smaller leaf size of the alpine dwarf plants of L. japonica depends on both the smaller number and the smaller size of the epidermal cells. We conclude that plant dwarfism in Yakushima shows variation at both the organ and cell levels.

In view of the need to obtain high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic power generation systems, the electrical series connection of multiple solar cells by laser patterning is a key issue for thin-film silicon solar cells. For a series connection with no thermal damage to the photovoltaic layers, a theoretical analysis of glass-side laser patterning, in which a laser beam is irradiated from the side of a glass substrate, and the optimization of the structure of the solar cells are conducted for a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H stacked solar cells deposited on glass substrates. As a result, an a-Si:H/a-SiGe:H module with both a large area (8,252 cm 2 ) and a conversion efficiency of 11.2% is obtained. Then, to improve efficiency and to reduce cost, the minute structure of microcrystalline silicon (μ c-Si:H) and film-side laser patterning, in which a laser beam is irradiated from the side of the deposited film, are investigated for a-Si:H/μ c-Si:H stacked solar cells deposited on insulator/metal substrates. It is proved that the discontinuity of the doped and photovoltaic layer may cause a reduction in the path density of the leak current, and that this contributes to an improvement in the efficiency of the solar cells. Based on the developed structure, an initial efficiency of 12.6% is obtained in a small-size solar cell. An a-Si:H/μ c-Si:H module (Aperture area = 56.1cm 2 ) with three segments has also been fabricated with an initial efficiency of 11.7% as a first try.

High-rate deposition of photovoltaic layers of a-Si/a-SiGe tandem solar cells has been investigated using RF (13.56 MHz) plasma-CVD method while keeping the substrate temperature below 200/spl deg/C. A remarkable improvement in film quality and device performance can be attained at a high deposition rate of /spl ges/3 /spl Aring//s by optimizing hydrogen dilution and other deposition conditions. It is of great importance to utilize the effect of hydrogen dilution which can reduce the incorporation of excess hydrogen in the films. The world's highest stabilized efficiency of 9.3% has been achieved for a large-area (5150cm/sup 2/) a-Si/a-SiGe tandem submodule whose top and bottom photovoltaic layers are deposited at /spl sim/3 /spl Aring//s using an optimized hydrogen dilution. A smart back reflector, with a high light scattering effect, and other approaches to enhance the optical confinement effect, are also proposed for further improvement of cell performance.

This paper reviews recent progress in large-area a-Si/a-SiGe tandem solar cells in Sanyo. Much effort has been devoted to increasing both the stabilized efficiency and the process throughput. A key issue in increasing the stabilized efficiency is thinner i-layer structure with an improved optical confinement effect. High-rate deposition of the i-layers has been investigated using rf (13.56MHz) plasma-CVD method while keeping the substrate temperature below 200 °C. A high photosensitivity of 106 of a-Si:H films maintain up to the deposition rate (Rd) of 15 Å/s by optimizing hydrogen dilution and other deposition conditions. It is of great importance to utilize the effect of hydrogen dilution which can reduce the incorporation of excess hydrogen in the films. The world's highest conversion efficiency of 11.2% has been achieved for a large-area (8252cm2) a-Si/a-SiGe tandem by combining the optimized hydrogen dilution and other solar cell related technologies.

This article documents the addition of 238 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Alytes dickhilleni, Arapaima gigas, Austropotamobius italicus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Cobitis lutheri, Dendroctonus ponderosae, Glossina morsitans morsitans, Haplophilus subterraneus, Kirengeshoma palmata, Lysimachia japonica, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Microtus cabrerae, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus, Pulmonaria officinalis, Salminus franciscanus, Thais chocolata and Zootoca vivipara. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Acanthina monodon, Alytes cisternasii, Alytes maurus, Alytes muletensis, Alytes obstetricans almogav- arii, Alytes obstetricans boscai, Alytes obstetricans obstetricans, Alytes obstetricans pertinax, Cambarellus montezumae, Cam- barellus zempoalensis, Chorus giganteus, Cobitis tetralineata, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, Glossina pallidipes, Lysimachia japonica var. japonica, Lysimachia japonica var. minutissima, Orconectes virilis, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii, Salminus brasiliensis and Salminus hilarii