Lightweight, Light-Trapped, Thin GaAs Solar Cells for Spacecraft Applications.
Abstract
AstroPower has successfully demonstrated the potential performance of high specific power, ultra-thin GaAs solar cells by fabricating and testing ultra-thin, light-trapped, lightweight solar cell prototype devices. The development of lightweight, high performance GaAs solar cells that incorporate light trapping and possess inherent theoretical radiation tolerance is described. The incorporation of light trapping has increased the external quantum efficiency of these solar cells in the long wavelength range. Conversion efficiencies of 17.9% (AMO, 1X) were obtained from a 3 micrometers thick, 1 sq cm solar cell. This results in a specific power of over 1020 W/kg (with a 3-mil cover slide) and a power density of 240 W/sq m. This technology can lead to the deployment of high performance, thin GaAs solar cells. The proposed solar cell design can have a significant impact on the longevity and power generation capabilities of space power supplies. The fabrication techniques developed here for GaAs can be applied to various other solar cell materials and designs including tandem solar cells and high voltage concentrator cells. jg p4
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 05, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADB207581
Entities
People
- Margaret H. Hannon