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Irradiation Effects in Space Solar Cells Made of Multiple Absorbers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

M. J. Romero ,
R. J. Walters ,
M. M. Al-Jassim ,
S. R. Messenger  and
G. P. Summers
M. J. Romero
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden,CO 80401-3393 303-384-6653, 303-384-6604 [email protected]
R. J. Walters
Affiliation:
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Code 6615, 4555 Overlook Ave., S.W., Washington DC 20375
M. M. Al-Jassim
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden,CO 80401-3393 303-384-6653, 303-384-6604 [email protected]
S. R. Messenger
Affiliation:
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Code 6615, 4555 Overlook Ave., S.W., Washington DC 20375
G. P. Summers
Affiliation:
Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Code 6615, 4555 Overlook Ave., S.W., Washington DC 20375
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Abstract

Solar cells made of multiple absorbers are a commonly used approach for improving efficiency due to their extended range of spectral sensitivity. Indeed, efficiencies nearing the theoretical maximum have been achieved with a triple-junction device made of In0.51Ga0.49P (InGaP2), GaAs, and Ge solar cells connected in series. For extraterrestrial applications, there is the added requirement of radiation tolerance. The main challenge for space power-generation is therefore the development of highly efficient and radiation-tolerant devices. We have investigated several aspects of the radiation response of solar cells made of multiple absorbers, such as multijunction devices and quantum-well solar cells. Novel possibilities such as quantumdot solar cells and ordered-disordered heterostructures are proposed.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 692: Symposium H – Progress in Semiconductor Materials for Optoelectronic Applications , 2001 , H10.5.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2002

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