GaAs- and InAlGaAs-based concentrator-type cells for conversion of power transmitted by optical fibers

Abstract

A novel application for high intensity GaAs-based solar cells is conversion of monochromatic light transmitted by fiber optics into electrical power for remote sensors. At present, the efficiencies of these devices are as high as 58%, and the systems can deliver 0.5 W electrical at distances of /spl ap/1 km. A typical OMCVD grown, six sector GaAs-based device, with an illuminated portion 0.15 cm in diameter, produces V/sub OC/=6.7 V, J/sub SC/=8.15 A/cm/sup 2/, and an efficiency of 55% under 820 nm illumination of 250 mW. Also reported are modeling and characterization of In/sub x/Al/sub y/Ga/sub 1-x-y/As devices for operation at 1320 nm, to examine the tradeoffs between increased fiber transmission, larger currents and lower voltages, relative to GaAs.