Optics in solar cells and batteries for Soviet space application

Mark M. Koltun

doi:10.1117/12.151019

13 August 1993 Optics in solar cells and batteries for Soviet space application

Mark M. Koltun

Proceedings Volume 1971, 8th Meeting on Optical Engineering in Israel: Optical Engineering and Remote Sensing; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.151019
Event: 8th Meeting in Israel on Optical Engineering, 1992, Tel Aviv, Israel

Abstract

The high fluxes of particles (mainly electrons and protons) that are present in the Earth's radiation belts, produce a deterioration in the electrical parameters of semiconductor devices carried by space vehicles. Semiconductor solar cells that have to be mounted on the surface of these vehicles, or on special outside panels, in order to maximize solar energy utilization are particularly prone to this deleterious effect. Although various interesting ways of increasing the radiation stability of semiconducting materials themselves have been suggested, for example, lithium ion implantation, or high-temperature annealing (up to 400o), the deposition of transparent and radiation-stable coatings remains the most effective way of shielding solar cells. The transparent shield is effective because it either attenuates or cuts off altogether the low energy particles, of which there are many in the Earth's radiation belts (the energy spectrum of protons and electrons in the radiation belts decreases sharply with increasing energy). It is known that it is precisely these low-energy particles that have the most destructive effect on cells and reduce their efficiency.

Citation Download Citation

Mark M. Koltun "Optics in solar cells and batteries for Soviet space application", Proc. SPIE 1971, 8th Meeting on Optical Engineering in Israel: Optical Engineering and Remote Sensing, (13 August 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.151019

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available