38% Efficient Low-Cost Six-Junction GaAs/InP Solar Cells Using Double Epitaxial Lift-Off

Double epitaxial lift-off (D-ELO) in conjunction with semiconductor bonding will be leveraged to produce 38% efficient six-junction solar cells. These solar cells will enable optimal performance for future NASA missions that require solar cells with high specific power, high power conversion efficiency, and lower cost than the incumbent solar cell technology. High efficiency is enabled by the use of six AM0 spectrum-matched subcell junctions. A reduction in mass compared to incumbent technology is enabled by removal of the thick semiconductor substrates while a cost savings compared to incumbent technology is enabled by the recovery and subsequent reuse of the expensive semiconductor substrates via the D-ELO process.