Proton-induced damage in p+–n InP solar cells: the role of electron capture at high fluences

Through the technique of electron beam induced current (EBIC), the effects of proton irradiation on InP solar cells of p+–n polarity have been investigated. InP cells of the opposite polarity (n+–p) have been shown to collapse under heavy proton irradiation, due to carrier removal that first depletes and eventually type converts the base region. In contrast, we show that for cells of p+–n polarity, electron capture plays the dominant role in the cell radiation response at high damage levels.