The Influence of High-Energy Lithium Ion Irradiation on Electrical Characteristics of Silicon and GaAs Solar Cells

TL;DR

This study investigates how high-energy lithium ion irradiation affects the electrical performance of silicon and GaAs solar cells, revealing effects similar to proton irradiation but with distinct defect mechanisms, and compares results with existing models.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the damage mechanisms caused by high-energy lithium ions in solar cells, expanding understanding beyond proton irradiation effects.

Findings

Li ion irradiation causes damage similar to proton irradiation

A different defect mechanism is suggested for heavier ions

Comparison with NIEL models highlights differences in damage predictions

Abstract

Space-grade Si and GaAs solar cells were irradiated with 15 & 40 MeV Li ions. Illuminated (AM0 condition) and unilluminated I-V curves reveal that the effect of high-energy Li ion irradiation has produced similar effects to that of proton irradiation. However, an additional, and different, defect mechanism is suggested to dominate in the heavier-ion results. Comparison is made with proton-irradiated solar-cell work and with non-ionizing energy-loss (NIEL) radiation-damage models.