Combinatorial Library of Radiation-Resistant Optical Coatings for Solar Cell Coverglass

This Small business innovation research Phase I project proposes to develop innovative radiation-resistant multilayer coatings for coverglass protection or directly solar cell protection while operating in the high radiation environment. Exceptional high radiation hardness of the multilayer coatings makes our approach a potential alternative for replacing cover glass for solar cell protection. Novel combinations of radiation hard optical coatings can maintain a high degree of spectral transmitivity in the visible region, withstand UV exposure which can also be tunable from 400nm-200nm and possess relatively high index of refraction. In Phase I we will evaluate optical properties as a function of radiation dose, demonstrate the feasibility of the coatings for solar cell application and provide samples for investigation. In Phase II we will extend the technology to scale up to larger area, free standing optical coatings integrated with transparent and electrically conducting bottom contact bondable to solar cell directly, and process development for manufacturing radiation hard optical windows in anticipation of Phase III transition.