Materials Science MS Defense: Advanced Characterization of Photovoltaics for Space Applications

Materials Science MS Defense
Advanced Characterization of Photovoltaics for Space Applications

Crystal Qu
Materials Science and Engineering MS Candidate
Rochester Institute of Technology
                                                 
Abstract:
Solar power is the primary energy source for most space-based systems, from satellites to deep-space probes, making the optimization of photovoltaic performance critical for long-duration missions. However, the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and high levels of radiation, can degrade solar cell efficiency over time. As space missions become increasingly ambitious, the demand for high-efficiency, radiation-resistant solar cells continues to grow. This talk will present the advanced characterization of photovoltaics for space applications, focusing on the analysis of triple-junction solar cells (InGaP/InGaAs/Ge) provided by the project sponsor. To assess the structural, electrical, and optical properties of these devices, a range of characterization techniques is employed, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), photoluminescence mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), quantum efficiency (QE) measurements, light current-voltage (LIV) analysis, and transfer length method (TLM) measurements. The results of these measurements will be discussed, providing insights into the performance and reliability of multi-junction solar cells in space environments and contributing to the advancement of photovoltaic technologies for future space applications.

Bio:
Crystal Qu is a dual-degree student at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), pursuing a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering, with an expected graduation in May 2025. She has been actively involved in photovoltaics since her first internship with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) in June 2021 and has been a research assistant at the NanoPower Research Labs (NPRL) since November 2021. In addition to her research in photovoltaics, she has gained industry experience as a chemical engineering co-op at DuPont where she contributed to process improvement projects, motivating her to obtain her Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt from RIT. She also interned at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where her work led to a publication on an experimental design to better understand interactions between firefighting foams and fire environments. Her research interests lie in advanced materials characterization and optimization for energy applications, with a focus on improving the efficiency and durability of photovoltaics for space environments.

Intended Audience:
All are Welcome!

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