Austin J Reid

US Patent:

20120160299, Jun 28, 2012

Filed:

Dec 28, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/980198

Inventors:

Austin Daniel Reid - San Diego CA, US
Theodore Garry Stern - El Cajon CA, US
Eric Peter McNaul - San Diego CA, US

International Classification:

H01L 31/048
H01L 31/18
H01L 31/052

US Classification:

136246, 438 67, 257E3111

Abstract:

A space based solar array has a substrate on which are placed a plurality of spaced apart solar cells. A transparent adhesive bonding layer is on the plurality of solar cells covering the solar cells and the substrate between said solar cells. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive bonding layer is silicone. A transparent rigid buffer layer is on the transparent adhesive bonding layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent rigid buffer layer is made of polyimide and has properties suitable for the application of performance- or durability-enhancing thin-film coatings. A transparent thin-film stack including inorganic radiation protection layer is on the transparent rigid buffer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent radiation protection layer is made of silica, alumina or thin glass. Performance enhancing layers can also be included into the thin film stack for anti-reflection and ESD control purposes.