High Yield, High Efficiency Epitaxial Lift-Off Solar Cells for LILT Applications

As the world leader in the production of epitaxial lift-off (ELO) inverted metamorphic (IMM) solar cells, MicroLink Devices proposes to develop large-area ELO-IMM solar cell designed specifically for low intensity, low temperature (LILT) space applications. These solar cells will achieve 45% power conversion efficiency (at –125°C and 5.2 AU) with high production yields, enabling substantial solar array costs for future NASA outer planetary space missions.

The proposed LILT ELO-IMM solar cells will benefit future NASA missions to the outer solar system where solar cells will operate under LILT conditions. These solar cells will enable substantial solar array cost reductions making them especially suitable for large-scale SEP (solar electric propulsion) spacecrafts operating in LILT conditions.

Manufacturers of commercial satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are interested in MicroLink’s low mass and power dense ELO solar cell technology for the potential to reduce costs while improving the efficiency compared to commercially available Ge-based cells. Attractive military and civilian applications include the ability to recharge batteries in remote locations.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.