Accession Number:

AD0760172

Title:

Vertical Multijunction Solar Cells.

Descriptive Note:

Final technical rept. 15 Nov 71-15 Dec 72,

Corporate Author:

HELIOTEK SYLMAR CALIF

Personal Author(s):

• Stella,Paul M.

Report Date:

1973-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

145.0

Abstract:

A theoretical analysis of the vertical multijunction VMJ solar cell was performed which indicated that using silicon certain configurations could be fabricated to satisfy the program objectives. Results indicate that initial AMO efficiencies of 15 can be achieved, and that at least 12 efficiency can be expected after seven years operation at synchronous orbit in a nuclear weapons environment. Experimental devices fabricated during the program exhibited relatively high long wavelength response as predicted by theory. These oversize devices widths approximately 100 micrometers exhibited low efficiencies 6-8 and poor short wavelength response due to slow surface states which drastically reduced short wavelength collection efficiency and device voltage as well as causing instability in the device I-V characteristic. These surface states must be eliminated if high efficiency VMJ devices are to become a reality. Modified author abstract

Descriptors:

• *SOLAR CELLS
• CHARGE CARRIERS
• EFFICIENCY
• PHOTOCONDUCTIVITY
• DAMAGE
• RADIATION EFFECTS
• ELECTRON IRRADIATION
• NEUTRON REACTIONS
• RELIABILITY(ELECTRONICS)
• SILICON
• SPACECRAFT COMPONENTS
• SPACE ENVIRONMENTS

Subject Categories:

• Electric Power Production and Distribution

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE