Ultra-compact high flux tailored edge-ray space microconcentrators

Microcell concentrating photovoltaics are being explored for space photovoltaic power due to their compact, monolithic design and potential to both reduce III-V cost and improve performance. This paper introduces a new ultra-compact and high flux microcell concentrator design. Ray tracing results validate the analytical construction and a proof-of-concept prototype measured with a 600 micron square GaAs microcell yields a concentration ratio of 90 with an acceptance half-angle of 5 degrees. These results lay the groundwork for ultra-thin (under 1 mm), high concentration ratio (CR > 100) microconcentrators with sizable optical tolerance for space.