Radiation Resistant Carbon Nanotube ESD & AR Coatings

Eikos, Inc proposes using carbon nanotubes combined with mesostructured thin films to form a radiation stable, electrostatic discharge, and antireflective layer on solar cell cover glass. This composite structure will maintain high power output throughout the operation lifetime of space based solar arrays. In orbit, most satellites are powered by photovoltaic cells, and these solar cells are protected by a thin sheet of glass that blocks protons, electrons, atomic oxygen, and UV light. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is provided for the cover glass by coating the glass with indium tin oxide (ITO), and light transmission is improved by adding another layer of antireflective (AR) magnesium fluoride (MgF2). These coatings darken significantly under radiation, leading to significant power loss by end of life (EOL). Eikos has developed a unique nanocomposite coating, where a network of carbon nanotubes formed within a mesostructured inorganic material provides both ESD protection and AR in one layer. This composite material is known as Invisicon® and has been under development for terrestrial applications for more than 8 years. Eikos is partnered with several of the leaders in space technologies to demonstrate equivalent beginning of life (BOL) performance and improved EOL performance of SOA PV arrays. Each participant provides unique information, capabilities, or materials so that Eikos can quantitatively evaluate and integrate its coatings to meet the needs of the Missile Defense Agency.