Investigation of high efficiency GaAs solar cells

This paper concerns investigations of basic mechanisms which limit the performance of high efficiency GaAs solar cells. P/N heteroface structures have been fabricated from MOCVD epiwafers. Typical AM1 efficiencies are in the 21-22% range, with a SERI measurement for one cell being 21.5%. The cells are nominally 1.5 x 1.5 cm in size. Studies have involved photoresponse, T-I-V analyses, and interpretation of data in terms of appropriate models to determine key cell parameters. Results of these studies are utilized to determine future approaches for increasing GaAs solar cell efficiencies.