Optimization of triple-junction solar cells for Martian polar conditions

Triple junction solar cells have been designed and fabricated for optimal performance under the Martian 60° latitude solar spectrum. Missions to Mar´s polar latitudes will require cells optimized for the region´s extreme conditions, including low solar intensity and temperature. Under a contract with JPL, Emcore´s space-qualified satellite cell has been modified for optimal performance under the Martian solar spectrum. The top-cell thickness and grid design were re-engineered for the MER60 spectrum, yielding efficiencies as high as 27.4%. This represents a 2.2% absolute improvement over cells optimized for AM0 when tested under the MER60 spectrum