Proton radiation analysis of multi-junction space solar cells

Sumita, Taishi*; Imaizumi, Mitsuru*; Matsuda, Sumio*; Oshima, Takeshi; Oi, Akihiko; Ito, Hisayoshi

Proton irradiation effects of triple-junction (InGaP/GaAs/Ge) solar cells for space use were studied. The changes in electrical and optical properties of the solar cells irradiated with protons at energies between 20 keV and 10 MeV were examined. As the result of analyzing the relationship between proton projection range and the degradation of their properties, the largest degradation of the properties was observed when proton projection range is near the junction of GaAs sub-cells. This indicates that improvement of the radiation resistance of GaAs is necessary to enhance radiation resistance of tliple-junction solar cells.