Results of a previous JPL Lithium-Doped Solar Cell program indicated that such cells can exhibit high efficiencies and radiation tolerance. This report presents the results of an additional effort to determine the technology readiness of lithium-doped silicon solar cells with respect to use in space programs. This effort was comprised of a pilot line fabrication program and an evaluation of the pilot line cells after exposure to environments representative of those presently imposed on state-of-the-art, no lithium-doped silicon solar cells. A summary of the results of the effort is presented. It is concluded that further process improve ments are required, particularly with respect to the P/N junction diffusion and the electrical contacting technique (including solder coating). It is also concluded that lithium-doped cells can be fabricated to exhibit high efficiencies, uniform cell-to-cell recovery characteristics after exposure to 1-MeV electrons, and good stability in most environments investigated (the only exception being the thermal shock environment).
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