Performance degradation of crystalline silicon solar cells under bremsstrahlung exposure
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Ismail Kabacelik
Abstract
This study investigates the degradation of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells under high-energy polyenergetic Bremsstrahlung radiation, relevant to space and high-radiation terrestrial environments. Cells were irradiated with doses up to 900 Gy using a clinical linear accelerator (cLINAC). Results demonstrate significant dose-dependent performance loss, with the power conversion efficiency (η) decreasing by approximately 7.6 % at the highest dose of 900 Gy. This degradation was driven mainly by reduced short-circuit current density (J sc ) and increased recombination. External quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements confirmed substantial losses at longer wavelengths, indicating bulk defect generation. Capacitance and conductance analyses revealed the accumulation of deep-level traps and interface states, further elucidating the degradation mechanisms. These findings highlight the vulnerability of c-Si solar cells to Bremsstrahlung exposure and provide critical insights for developing radiation-hardened photovoltaic technologies.
Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges the Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications (ODTÜ-GÜNAM) for sample preparation and characterization, and the Akdeniz University Nuclear Science Research and Application Center for the irradiation facility.
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Research ethics: This study did not involve human participants or animals; therefore, no ethical approval was required.
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Informed consent: Not applicable, as no human participants were involved.
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Author contributions: The author was solely responsible for the conceptualization, methodology, data analysis, writing, and final approval of the manuscript.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: Large Language Models (LLMs) were used solely for language editing and proofreading support. The scientific content, analysis, and conclusions are entirely the author’s own.
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Conflict of interest: The author declares no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: This research received no external funding.
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Data availability: The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the author upon reasonable request.
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