Ultra-Lightweight, High-Efficiency Epitaxial Lift-Off Solar Cells and Arrays

MicroLink Devices and the University of Notre Dame propose to develop an ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency, GaAs-based, multi-junction solar cell that will be suitable for use in future platforms requiring very high specific power (>3.0 kW/kg) and very high areal power density (>370 W/m2). We will achieve this result by reducing the metal content of MicroLinks current inverted metamorphic (IMM), epitaxial lift-off (ELO) solar cell and replacing the metal with robust, low-density, polymer-based materials that retain the flexibility and durability of ELO solar cell at a fraction of its present weight. We will also develop processes that are compatible with the fabrication equipment necessary for high-volume production of new laminated ELO solar cells to be developed in this program. The specific power target for laminated cells at the conclusion of the Phase I effort is 2.0 kW/kg under 1-sun AM1.5G illumination, which will be achieved by enhancing the present ELO IMM solar cell structure with a new, ultra-lightweight metal/polymer-based support.