Degradation modeling of InGaP/GaAs/Ge triple junction solar cells irradiated with various energy protons

Sato, Shinichiro; Miyamoto, Haruki; Imaizumi, Mitsuru*; Shimazaki, Kazunori*; Morioka, Chiharu*; Kawano, Katsuyasu*; Oshima, Takeshi

Degradation modeling of InGaP/GaAs/Ge triple junction (3J) solar cells with the use of a one dimensional optical device simulator, PC1D, is performed for cell lifetime prediction. By fitting the quantum efficiencies of 3J solar cells degraded by 30 keV, 150 keV, 3 MeV, or 10 MeV proton irradiation, the short circuit currents (Isc) and open circuit voltages (Voc) are simulated. The damage coefficient of minority carrier diffusion length () and carrier removal rate () of base carrier concentration of each sub cell are also estimated. The values of Isc and Voc obtained using the calculations show good agreement with experimental values. These results confirm that the degradation modeling method is effective for lifetime prediction of 3J solar cells.