NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Development of GaAs/Si and GaAs/Si monolithic structures for future space solar cellsThe results of heteroepitaxial growth of GaAs and GaAlAs directly on Si are presented, and applications to new cell structures are suggested. The novel feature is the elimination of a Ge lattice transition region. This feature not only reduces the cost of substrate preparation, but also makes possible the fabrication of high efficiency monolithic cascade structures. All films to be discussed were grown by organometallic chemical vapor deposition at atmospheric pressure. This process yielded reproducible, large-area films of GaAs, grown directly on Si, that are tightly adherent and smooth, and are characterized by a defect density of 5 x 10(6) power/sq cm. Preliminary studies indicate that GaAlAs can also be grown in this way. A number of promising applications are suggested. Certainly these substrates are ideal for low-weight GaAs space solar ells. For very high efficiency, the absence of Ge makes the technology attractive for GaAlAs/Si monolithic cascades, in which the Si substrates would first be provided with a suitable p/n junction. An evaluation of a three bandgap cascade consisting of appropriately designed GaAlAs/GaAs/Si layers is also presented.
Document ID
19840021258
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Spitzer, M. B.
(Spire Corp. Bedford, MA, United States)
Vernon, S. M.
(Spire Corp. Bedford, MA, United States)
Wolfson, R. G.
(Spire Corp. Bedford, MA, United States)
Tobin, S. P.
(Spire Corp. Bedford, MA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Lewis Research Center Space Photovoltaic Res. and Technol. 1983
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
84N29327
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Document Inquiry

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available