Silicon Germanium Alloy Photovoltaics for 1.06 Micron Wireless Power Transmission, Phase II

Structured Materials Industries, Inc. proposes to develop SiGe photovoltaic technology that matches the Nd:YAG wavelength of 1.06 micron for insertion in future Wireless Power Transmission systems. Full development of the proposed technology will provide NASA with a low-cost, SiGe-based alternative to compound semiconductors. In Phase I of the program we have designed, fabricated and tested a SiGe photocell and demonstrated a 45% external quantum efficiency and a 6% power efficiency at the Nd:YAG wavelength of 1.06 micron. In Phase II we will further optimize the SiGe materials properties and the photocell device structure. In Phase III we will make the SiGe photocells commercially available to NASA's contractors and also market the deposition hardware.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.