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Mathematical modeling of a photovoltaic-laser energy converter for iodine laser radiation

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5839231

Space-based laser power systems will require converters to change laser radiation into electricity. Vertical junction photovoltaic converters are promising devices for this use. A promising laser for the laser power station is the t-C/sub 4/F/sub 9/I laser which emits radiation at a wavelength of 1.315 microns. This paper describes the results of mathematical modeling of a photovoltaic-laser energy converter for use with this laser. The material for this photovoltaic converter is Ga(53)In(47)As which has a bandgap energy of 0.94 eV, slightly below the energy of the laser photons (0.943 eV). Results of a study optimizing the converter parameters are presented. Calculated efficiency for a 1000 vertical junction converter is 42.5 percent at a power density of 1 x 10 to the 3d power w/sq cm.

Research Organization:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Hampton, VA (USA). Langley Research Center
OSTI ID:
5839231
Report Number(s):
N-87-28178; NASA-TM-100482; NAS-1.15:100482
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English