Ultra-thin transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) as radiation-resistant photovoltaic materials for space

Sayan Roy; Peter Bermel

doi:10.1117/12.2677924

26 September 2023 Ultra-thin transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) as radiation-resistant photovoltaic materials for space

Sayan Roy, Peter Bermel

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12668, New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion V; 1266804 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2677924
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2023, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) have strong potential for ultra -thin electronic and photonic applications because of their range of electronic and optical properties, 2D layered structure, and tunability of properties by dopants and hybrid alloys. TMDCs have high atomic masses compared to commonly used semiconductors, which makes them resistant to damage by high energy particles in space. We have studied the fundamental electronic and optical properties of various tungsten-based TMDCs by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. We then developed a solar cell model composed of heavier TMDCs with photon management features to design high-performing photovoltaic devices which are ultra-thin, lightweight, with significantly enhanced resistance to radiation-induced damage. Here, we model electro-optic properties and photovoltaic performance of various combinations of tungsten-based TMDCs containing sulfur, selenium and tellurium. Device simulations conducted using the AM0 space solar spectrum yield high efficiencies above 17% for the tungsten-based devices. The non-ionizing energy loss (NIEL) due to high energy protons for tungsten-based TMDCs are much lower than common photovoltaic semiconductors, such as silicon, resulting in significantly reduced displacement damage doses (DDD) from space radiation. Our results show that TMDCs have great potential for implementation in radiation-resistant electronic and photonic technologies in the space environment.

Conference Presentation

(2023) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

Sayan Roy and Peter Bermel "Ultra-thin transition metal di-chalcogenides (TMDCs) as radiation-resistant photovoltaic materials for space", Proc. SPIE 12668, New Concepts in Solar and Thermal Radiation Conversion V, 1266804 (26 September 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2677924

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