Ultra-Thin GaAs solar cells: radiation tolerance and space applications

Radiation tolerance is a critical concern for space power applications. In this paper we demonstrate intrinsic radiation tolerance in ultra-thin (<;100nm) GaAs devices, without the need for heavy, rigid coverglass. It is shown that in the ultra-thin geometry carrier collection efficiency and corresponding short circuit current do not degrade in the presence of radiation induced defects. By employing scattering structures for light management solar absorption can be compensated in an ultra-thin film to exploit this intrinsic radiation tolerance and enable new mission profiles in challenging space environments.