Space Radiation Effects in Advanced Solar Cell Materials and Devices

Abstract

An investigation of the physical mechanisms governing the response of III-V based solar cells to particle irradiation is presented. The effect of particle irradiation on single and multijunction solar cells is studied through current vs. voltage, spectral response, and deep level transient spectroscopy measurements. The basic radiation response mechanisms are identified, and their effects on the solar cell electrical performance are described. In particular, a detailed analysis of multijunction In(x)Ga(1-x)P/In(y)Ga(1-y)As/Ge devices is presented. The MJ cell response is found to be more strongly affected by the internal cell structure than by the In content.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADP012666

Entities

People

  • G. P. Summers
  • R. J. Walters

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Band Gaps
  • Cell Structure
  • Cells
  • Charge Carriers
  • Crystal Lattices
  • Electrical Properties
  • Energy Levels
  • Materials
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Effects
  • Radiation Resistance
  • Resistance
  • Semiconductor Junctions
  • Semiconductors
  • Solar Cells
  • Solar Energy
  • Spectra

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Battery Technology and Engineering
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Solar Physics

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster