Changes in output parameters of 1 MeV electron irradiated upright metamorphic GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple junction solar cell

M Heini,Q Guo,A Aierken,X B Shen,Z H Li,X F Zhao,Y D Li,Y Xu,M Sailai,H T Liu,C M Liu

doi:10.1063/1.5049367

Abstract

The changes in output parameters of 1 MeV electron irradiated MOCVD grown upright metamorphic (UMM) GaInP/GaInAs/Ge triple junction solar cells have been studied. Non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) approach and MULASSIS simulation were applied for analyzing the effects of irradiation induced displacement damage on cell performance. The influence of base thickness on radiation resistance has been studied by changing the base thickness of top GaInP and middle GaInAs subcell, respectively. The experimental results show that the electrical parameters, Voc, Isc, and Pmax of UMM cell degrade with the increase of electron fluence. The change of spectra response indicates middle GaInAs subcell degrades more severe than top GaInP subcells, and the base thickness of two subcells has different effects on spectra response of UMM cell.

Highlights

INTRODUCTIONupright metamorphic (UMM) solar cell is a promising alternative for space application
The fundamental objectives of developing space solar cells are to increase the conversion efficiency, improve the radiation tolerance, reduce the mass and cost of solar cells and solar arrays
Non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) approach and MULASSIS simulation were applied for analyzing the effects of irradiation induced displacement damage on output parameters of solar cell

Summary

INTRODUCTION

UMM solar cell is a promising alternative for space application. The harsh space environment, such as vacuum, strong ultraviolet, electron and proton radiation, temperature cycling, brings additional challenges for space solar cell designing. Electron and proton irradiation is the main reason of solar cell degradation in space. Overall performance of 1 MeV electron irradiated metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) grown GaInP/GaInAs/Ge UMM triple junction solar cells have been investigated. The degradation of both electrical and spectral output parameters of UMM cell have been discussed

EXPERIMENTAL

Electron irradiation simulation

Degradation of cell performance by irradiation

Effects of top and middle subcell active layer thickness

CONCLUSION