GaAs solar cells have been long recognized as having some advantages over silicon cells for use in space (higher efficiency, combined with good radiation resistance, and superior performance at high temperatures). However, there were also possible disadvantages in higher costs, greater mechanical fragility and most important in the lack of any proven production capability. To explore the production possibilities, in 1982 the Air Force Materials Laboratory funded a manufacturing technology program. The results of this program, are discussed here, along with additional manufacturing experience, triggered by the Air Force program. This paper reviews Applied Solar Energy Corporation (ASEC) experience, acquired over four years, in establishing a manufacturing process for GaAs solar cells for use on spacecraft. Details are given of the process selection, the build-up of equipment and material support, and the results achieved.
Review of mantech program for GaAs solar cells
Uebersicht ueber das Mantech-Programm fuer GaAs-Sonnenzellen
1987
7 Seiten, 2 Bilder, 3 Tabellen
Conference paper
English