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Multi Junction Solar cells for Satellite

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Missile Defense Agency
Contract: HQ0006-10-C-7386
Agency Tracking Number: B09B-005-0017
Amount: $99,913.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: MDA09-T005
Solicitation Number: 2009.B
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2010
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-05-03
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2010-11-02
Small Business Information
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, AL 35805
United States
DUNS: 185169620
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: Yes
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Alex Fedoseyev
 Senior Principal Engineer
 (256) 726-4800
 tsb@cfdrc.com
Business Contact
 Deb Phipps
Title: Senior Contracts Specialist
Phone: (256) 726-4884
Email: dap@cfdrc.com
Research Institution
 Rochester Institute of Technology
 Katherine A Clark
 
University SC, Suite 2400 141 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, NY 35805
United States

 (585) 475-7984
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Higher efficiency solar cells are needed to reduce mass, volume, and cost of DoD space missions. However, to achieve higher efficiency and radiation hardness of the best to date multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) devices, several challenges must be addressed. This project aims to develop: 1) Quantum Well (QW)-based multi-junction cell that exhibits enhanced efficiency, and 2) Radiation-hardened PV cell design demonstrating the radiation tolerance of the QW multi-junction cell. Customized modeling tools will enable QW optimization, including: (a) geometrical ordering and variable QW size, (b) increased transport and separation of photogenerated carriers; and (c) improved electrical conductivity and enhanced collection efficiency. In Phase I, CFDRC, together with Rochester Institute of Technology, will concentrate on the design and demonstration of the middle cell in a multi-junction (InGaP/GaAs/Ge) configuration, the most sensitive to radiation effects. The design and implementation of QWs in this middle cell will be directly applicable to a state-of-the-art lattice-matched cell and a metamorphic cell. We will fabricate a prototype QW cell and perform baseline irradiation testing/evaluation. Phase II will continue development by implementing the QW response and radiation resistance within a multi-junction cell, resulting in significantly improved QW solar cell performance under AM0 spectrum and post-irradiation at the end of life.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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