University of Arkansas develops silicon-germanium-tin solar cells

The research team at the University of Arkansas received a $750,000 grant from NASA for the development of silicon germanium-tin (SiGeSn) solar cells for space missions. University of Arkansas associate professor of electronic engineering Yu Shuiqing will be the main scientific research personnel for multi-agency projects. The research team will develop silicon-germanium-tin photovoltaic devices that have been shown to improve the efficiency of capturing, detecting, and controlling light.

To complete the project, the United States NASA/EPSCoR allocated $750,000 to the Space Support Alliance Office at the University of Arkansas. The Incentive Competition Research Pilot Program (EPSCoR) is a funding program to increase the participation of state governments in competitive aerospace research activities.

Professor Yu said, [Now we have the opportunity to develop a space application of high-performance solar cells." Prof. Yu will work with Hameed Naseem, professor of electrical engineering at the University of Arkansas, and professor of physics, Mansour Mortazavi, and Allan Thoma to complete the project. Prior to this, Professor Yu, Naseem and Mortazavi received US$725,000 funding from the US Air Force Scientific Research Office for similar solar cell technology development.

Researchers used ultra-high vacuum chemical vapor deposition to grow silicon-germanium tin on silicon substrates. For NASA's projects in the United States, researchers will use silicon-germanium-tin to develop photovoltaic devices that can be integrated into existing solar cells to achieve a more efficient electric energy source. Existing 3-junction solar cells used by NASA in the United States are estimated to have reached their efficiency limit. The new material is expected to help NASA in the United States achieve its goal of 15 years of working life and 45% conversion efficiency of solar cells. New materials should also reduce production costs and make photovoltaic devices more resistant to radiation.

The research plan includes device design and simulation, material growth and characterization, optical properties of silicon germanium and tin materials, and the development of silicon germanium tin photoconductors. In connection with this study, Prof. Yu also obtained a grant of US$ 96,455 from the U.S. Army Research Office to update the characteristic measuring instruments for silicon germanium-tin-based devices.