Air Force development of thin GaAs solar cells

The advantages of gallium arsenide (GaAs) over silicon (Si) type solar cells are well documented. However, two major disadvantages are weight and cost. Several ideas have recently surfaced that, if successful, will diminish these disadvantages. The CLEFT peeled film technique and the galicon cell are two of the more promising approaches. Low weight, low cost, high efficiency GaAs solar cell research is summarized.