Scientists have discovered how to make solar panels that allow radiation to be used for space-based installations and solar-powered vehicles.
A team from the University of Cambridge has proposed an ultra-thin photovoltaic cell design that can withstand the radiation in space that can cause damage and lower the efficiency of conventional solar cell materials.
This means that it is possible to deploy them in higher orbits around the Earth, such as the Molniya orbit that passes through the center of the proton radiation belt of our planet.
Middle Earth orbits have become more necessary for satellites due to the collapse of low Earth orbits in recent years.
Other applications include space exploration in extreme radiation environments, such as Jupiter’s moon Europa. In order to land a solar-powered spacecraft on the surface of Europa, radiation-tolerant solar panels must be developed.
Two types of photovoltaic devices are produced: one using an on-chip design; another uses a mirrored back to increase light absorption.
The scientists tested the solar cells by bombarding them with protons produced at the Dalton Cumbrian Nuclear facility, which allowed them to simulate the effects of space radiation.
“Our ultra-thin solar cell outperforms previously studied, thicker devices for proton radiation above a certain threshold,” said Dr Armin Barthel, who led the research.
“Ultra-thin geometries offer favorable performance by two orders of magnitude relative to previous observations.”
Scientists claim that ultra-thin photovoltaic cells will also lead to a lighter load and significant reduction in launch costs.
A paper detailing the research, titled ‘Radiation effects in ultra-thin GaAs solar cells’, was published in Journal of Applied Physics on Tuesday.