What Substrates are Used to Fabricate Space-Based Radiation Detectors?
A PhD in Electrical Engineering researching Space Based Device requested the following quote for Silicon Carbide wafers.
Hello, Is it possible to get a quote on a set of 3 circular wafers? Each in descending order of diameter. The sizes will start at the biggest, which is 90mm diameter, then a 60mm diameter wafer, then a 30mm diameter wafer. Does the bandgap or sensitivity of electron transmission depend on wafer size. For context these are for a space-based radiation detector.
I am looking at the circular 50mm wafer as a definitive, will need to see which of the other ones
meet our requirements more. Are these made to order, or are they
already in stock, or is it a combination of the two? Would it be
possible to get a p-type dopant in a certain area of the wafer, but
not the entire area? If we wanted to drill a hole in a certain area,
would that impact the performance or structural integrity of the chip?
UniversityWafer, Inc. Quoted:
Pls see below for the offer on three type of descending order of diameter SiC Wafer,We also quote three type of similar standard SiC Wafer for your reference
1-1. Circular wafer,diameter 90mm,350+/-50um,4H-N SiC,Double sides polished
1-2. Circular wafer,diameter 100mm,350+/-25um,4H-N SiC,Double sides polished
2-1. Circular wafer,diameter 60mm,350+/-50um,4H-N SiC,Double sides polished
2-2. Circular wafer,diameter 76mm,350+/-25um,4H-N SiC,Double sides polished
3-1. Circular wafer,diameter 30mm,350+/-50um,4H-N SiC,Double sides polished
3-2. Circular wafer,diameter 50mm,350+/-25um,4H-N SiC,Double sides polished
Reference #267878 for specs and pricing.
Get Your Quote FAST! Or, Buy Online and Start Your Space Research Today1
What is the name of the first space-based laser program?
The United States Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), often nicknamed "Star Wars." Initiated in 1983 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan. It can be considered the first space based laser program. SDI aimed to develop a sophisticated anti-ballistic missile system in order to prevent missile attacks from other countries, particularly the Soviet Union.
The concept behind the program included ground- and space-based missile systems, and it also explored advanced technologies such as lasers and electromagnetic weapons. However, many of the technological components, including the space-based lasers, faced significant engineering and budgetary challenges and were never fully developed or deployed.
The SDI program evolved over time, and its focus shifted towards more technologically feasible projects. It was officially terminated in 1993, but several of its research projects have continued under different program names in the U.S. Department of Defense.
The Beginning Of Space-Based Solar Research
The idea of space-based solar research is not new. It has been around for decades and has its origins in the 1960s. At that time, NASA was exploring ways to power its spacecraft, and solar energy was seen as a promising solution. However, the technology of the time was not advanced enough to make it feasible.
In the 1970s and 1980s, interest in space-based solar research grew as people became more aware of the limitations of fossil fuels and their impact on the environment. The idea was that by placing solar panels in orbit around Earth, we could capture more sunlight than is possible on the ground. This would provide a virtually limitless source of clean energy that could be beamed back to Earth.
One major challenge in developing this technology has been finding materials that can withstand harsh space conditions while still efficiently converting sunlight into electricity. Silicon has emerged as a leading candidate due to its durability and high efficiency.
Today, space-based solar research continues to be an area of active exploration with many exciting possibilities for the future of sustainable energy production.
Developing Photovoltaic Cells For Space Applications
Photovoltaic cells are an essential component of space-based solar research. These cells convert sunlight into electricity, which can power satellites and other spacecraft. However, the harsh conditions in space can damage conventional photovoltaic cells, making them less effective over time. Therefore, researchers are developing new materials for photovoltaic cells that can withstand the rigors of space.
One promising material is silicon. Silicon is already widely used in solar panels on Earth because it is abundant and has excellent electrical properties. However, to be effective in space, silicon must be able to withstand high levels of radiation and extreme temperatures. Scientists are working to improve the durability and efficiency of silicon-based photovoltaic cells by using advanced manufacturing techniques and novel designs.
In addition to improving the performance of individual solar cells, researchers are also exploring ways to integrate them into larger arrays that can power entire spacecraft. By optimizing these systems for space applications, scientists hope to reduce the cost and complexity of future missions while increasing their capabilities.
Overall, developing photovoltaic cells for space applications is an important area of research that has the potential to transform our ability to explore and utilize resources beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Satellites Equipped With Solar Arrays For Energy Generation
Satellites equipped with solar arrays are becoming increasingly common in space-based research. These solar arrays are used to generate electricity for the spacecraft, allowing them to operate for extended periods of time without the need for refueling. The use of solar arrays has proven to be an effective way to power satellites, as they can provide a reliable source of energy in even the most remote and inhospitable environments.
One of the key materials used in these solar arrays is silicon. Silicon is a semiconductor material that is widely used in the electronics industry due to its ability to conduct electricity. It is also highly efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, making it an ideal material for use in solar cells.
The use of silicon in space-based solar research has allowed scientists and engineers to develop more efficient and durable solar panels that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. These panels are capable of generating large amounts of energy from even small amounts of sunlight, making them an essential component in many space missions.
Overall, satellites equipped with silicon-based solar arrays represent a significant technological advancement that has helped advance our understanding of space and improve our ability to explore it. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses for this versatile material in the future.
Advancements In Space-Based Solar Technology
Space-based solar technology has seen significant advancements in recent years, thanks to the use of silicon in solar panels. Silicon is a key component in the production of solar cells, and its use has allowed for increased efficiency and durability of space-based solar panels.
One major advancement is the development of thin-film solar cells, which are made by depositing layers of silicon onto a substrate. These cells are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for use in space where weight and size limitations are critical. Additionally, they have proven to be more resistant to radiation damage than traditional crystalline silicon cells.
Another advancement is the use of concentrator photovoltaics (CPV), which focus sunlight onto small, high-efficiency solar cells. This allows for greater energy output per unit area compared to traditional flat-panel arrays. CPV systems are also more compact and lightweight than their counterparts, making them ideal for use in space-based applications.
Finally, advancements have been made in energy storage systems that allow for efficient storage and distribution of solar power collected by space-based panels. This includes the development of advanced batteries and fuel cell technologies that can withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Overall, these advancements have led to increased efficiency, reliability, and longevity of space-based solar technology, paving the way for further exploration and research beyond our planet.
Future Possibilities For Space-Based Solar Research
The use of silicon in space-based solar research has opened up a world of possibilities for the future. One potential application is the development of more efficient solar cells that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. These cells could be used to power satellites and other spacecraft, reducing the need for heavy and expensive fuel sources.
Another possibility is the creation of large-scale solar arrays in space, which could capture energy from the sun and beam it back to Earth using microwave or laser technology. This approach would provide a consistent source of clean energy without relying on fossil fuels or facing weather-related interruptions.
Additionally, research into advanced materials and manufacturing techniques could lead to new innovations in solar technology, such as flexible or transparent solar panels that could be integrated into building materials or vehicle surfaces.
Overall, space-based solar research holds great promise for addressing our energy needs while also reducing our impact on the environment. With continued investment and exploration in this field, we may see significant advancements in renewable energy technology in the years ahead.
What is Space Based Solar Power?
Solar cells power spacecraft by converting sunlight into electricity. These cells must withstand the extreme heat, cold, and radiation that spacecraft experience.
Silicon is a semiconductor that can be manipulated to change its electrical properties. This altered form of silicon is called doped silicon. The difference between intrinsic and doped silicon lies in the amount of dopant added to the material.
Types of Silicon Used in Space Based Solar Research
Solar cells power spacecraft by converting sunlight into electricity. These cells must withstand the extreme heat, cold and radiation that spacecraft experience.
Silicon is a semiconductor that can be manipulated to change its electrical properties. This altered form of silicon is called doped silicon. The difference between intrinsic and doped silicon lies in the amount of dopant added to the material.
Substrate Specs
There are several types of silicon substrates currently used to make solar cells. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is a 
non-crystalline, allotropic form of silicon and is the most well-developed thin film technology. It is an alternative to conventional wafer crystalline silicon and requires less processing energy to produce. It can also be combined with layers of other allotropic forms of silicon to create multi-junction solar cells that can absorb a wider range of the sun's spectral energy.
Other allotropic forms of silicon include cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Both CdTe and CIGS solar cells are more efficient than standard a-Si based solar cells. They use fewer materials, require less processing power and can be manufactured on flexible substrates.
These flexible solar cells have the potential to reduce the space required for a solar power array on a military spacecraft. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is working to develop these CIGS solar cell technologies for future space missions.
CIGS solar cells are believed to have the greatest potential of all thin-film technologies because they can absorb more of the sun's energy. They also have better absorption efficiencies than CdTe and a-Si, require lower processing temperatures, and are more easily adapted to the rough surface of spacecraft solar panels. The current record efficiency of a CIGS solar cell is 22.6%.
The key to the efficiency of these allotropic silicon substrates is their direct bandgap semiconductor nature. This allows them to convert a photon directly into electricity without the need for an additional source or sink of momentum like a lattice vibration called a phonon.
When a light photon hits the n-type side of the silicon, it knocks free electrons from the atoms. These electrons move through the n-type layer and into the p-type silicon layer where they combine with an existing hole, forming an electron-hole pair. This process is converted into electricity by a conductive wire that connects the two sides of the silicon cell. These electrons can then be collected and stored for later use. The same process is repeated when the cell receives more sunlight.
Cell Specs
Currently, the powering of spacecraft is achieved by using lithium-ion batteries. Energy density is a critical consideration, with engineers designing for a specific mission’s requirements. Using cylindrical 18650s has become a popular design for SmallSats and CubeSats, with pouch or prism formats also available. The lithium-ion industry continues to improve with incremental increases in battery specific energy density, thanks to improved cathode and anode materials as well as additives to the electrolyte.
While the concept of a solar powered space station (SBSP) isn’t new, progress toward making it reality is moving rapidly. The race is on to be first to beam down a gigawatt of solar power from a space satellite in orbit, enabling cities and nations to build their own renewable electricity infrastructure. China has already made major strides, with their 2021-2025 SBSP target date putting them in the lead.
In a real-world SBSP scenario, self-assembling satellites would be launched into space along with inflatable mirrors or reflectors to cover a large swath of space. The solar panels would then convert the incoming sunlight into either microwave or laser transmissions. The resulting beams are beamed back down to earth where they would be connected to the electric grid via solar power receiving stations. Currently, the race is on between several conglomerates to be first to launch a solar space station.
The environment out in space is harsher on solar panels than we are used to here on earth. Radiation damage can degrade solar cells up to 8 times faster than those installed on the ground. There is also the potential for wasting energy as it travels between space and Earth, which has to be overcome in any serious plan to use solar power for a sustained period of time.
One way to reduce degradation is by choosing a solar cell with a higher efficiency. A single-junction silicon cell has an efficiency of 20%, whereas multi-junction designs offer up to 86.6% efficiency under laboratory conditions. Some research has been conducted into perovskites, a new type of material that can be fabricated more easily and in thin layers. Lab tests show that these may be more efficient than silicon, though their performance is still being developed and vetted for space applications.
Other Substrates
For space solar power to work, it needs to be able to convert the sunlight it receives into a usable energy that can then be beamed back down to Earth. This is achieved by solar cells which take in light and transform it into electricity by absorbing the sun’s radiation. These are usually multi-junction cells which take advantage of layers of different materials that efficiently convert the sun’s radiation into usable energy. Currently the most common type of solar cell used for SBSP is silicon, however there are many other potential options for future use.
One of the best known types of space based solar cells is thin film solar which uses a layer of various semiconductors deposited on a substrate such as glass. Thin-film technology is ideally suited to the lightweight needs of space solar power and can be manufactured more easily than traditional silicon cells. This means it could eventually replace silicon as the standard for solar power in both terrestrial and space applications.
CdTe and CIGS are two of the most commonly used thin-film solar technologies. These use cadmium, indium and gallium to create a wide-bandgap photovoltaic (PV) material. Both cells show high efficiency in the lab but are difficult to produce at scale, making them largely reserved for research applications such as satellites. Another emerging technology is perovskites which are showing high efficiencies in the lab and can be produced much more cheaply than crystalline silicon. These have a tunable bandgap and can be combined into hybrid tandems with lower bandgap silicon to reach record efficiencies of over 30%.
Unlike solar thermal systems, PV converts the sun’s light into direct current electricity. The light energy is transferred to negatively charged particles in the semiconductor material called electrons which can then be extracted through conductive metal contacts on the solar cell. This electricity can then be transported to the grid and into homes and businesses to power devices and appliances.
The key challenges for space based solar are the cost and weight of the elements needed to support an orbital station. Assembling and transporting these elements will require a significant number of space shuttle launches which are expensive and emit greenhouse gases. Also, a large portion of the station will have to be encased in materials that are resistant to the corrosive environment of space and the possibility of micrometeoroids.
Future Substrates
Space-based solar power (SSP) is a powerful alternative to the more traditional methods of powering spacecraft, especially those relying on radioisotopes for energy. In addition to reducing the risk of radiation-induced damage, solar arrays can be smaller and lighter. This reduces the size and weight of a spacecraft and increases its maneuverability. It also allows for longer missions, as a spacecraft that needs less energy can travel further. The apparent sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines recently showed how politically unstable our world is, so reliance on foreign energy sources can be a problem. By utilizing SSP, we can create our own, locally-sourced power that is far more secure from international conflict than oil or natural gas.
As the need for SSP in outer planetary missions continues to grow, scientists are developing new technologies for solar cells. They are striving to improve cell efficiency, reduce cost, reduce weight, and increase radiation tolerance. Perovskites are uniquely positioned to achieve all of these. These are a promising class of materials that have been shown to perform well in laboratory tests.
These new materials are easier to work with than silicon, as they can be fabricated in thin and flexible layers. Additionally, they can produce higher currents and voltages than conventional cells. This is especially important for powering spacecraft that will encounter harsh environments. The next challenge is to ensure that these cells can last in the rigours of space, and that they do not degrade from radiation damage.
One approach to this issue is to use a structure called an inverted variant. This is an architecture where the highest-energy cells are grown first, followed by those with lower energy content. By doing this, it is possible to optimise the layers and lattice match, which leads to a much better cell performance.
Aside from the increased efficiency, this technology can be used to produce a variety of other products, including photovoltaic cells, LEDs and solar panels. These can be used on satellites to provide electrical power and light, as well as a source of water and air. They can also be used to store and transmit data from sensors on rovers, as well as to generate heat for thermal management systems. In addition, they can be used to manufacture other electronic devices such as cameras and navigation systems.
What Other Substrates Are Used in Space?
There are several types of silicon substrates currently used to make solar cells. Amorphous silicon (a-Si) is a non-crystalline, allotropic form of silicon and is the most well-developed thin film technology. It is an alternative to conventional wafer crystalline silicon and requires less processing energy. Substrates can also be combined with layers of other allotropic forms of silicon to create multi-junction solar cells that can absorb a wider range of the sun's spectral energy.
Other allotropic forms of silicon include Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). CdTe and CIGS solar cells are more efficient than standard a-Si-based solar cells. They use fewer materials, require less processing power, and can be manufactured on flexible substrates.
These flexible solar cells can potentially reduce the space required for a solar power array on a military spacecraft. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is working to develop these CIGS solar cell technologies for future space missions.
CIGS solar cells are believed to have the greatest potential of all thin-film technologies because they can absorb more of the sun's energy. They also have better absorption efficiencies than CdTe and a-Si, require lower processing temperatures, and are more easily adapted to the rough surface of spacecraft solar panels. The current record efficiency of a CIGS solar cell is 22.6%.
The key to the efficiency of these allotropic silicon substrates is their direct bandgap semiconductor nature. This allows them to convert a photon directly into electricity without needing an additional source or sink of momentum like a lattice vibration called a phonon.
When a light photon hits the n-type side of the silicon, it knocks free electrons from the atoms. These electrons move through the n-type layer and into the p-type silicon layer, where they combine with an existing hole, forming an electron-hole pair. This process is converted into electricity by a conductive wire connecting the silicon cell's two sides. These electrons can then be collected and stored for later use. The same process is repeated when the cell receives more sunlight.
Cell Specs
Currently, the powering of spacecraft is achieved by using lithium-ion batteries. Energy density is a critical consideration with engineers designing for a specific mission’s requirements. Using cylindrical 18650s has become a popular design for SmallSats and CubeSats, with pouch or prism formats also available. The lithium-ion industry continues to improve with incremental increases in battery-specific energy density, thanks to the improved cathode and anode materials and additives to the electrolyte.
While the concept of a solar-powered space station (SBSP) isn’t new, progress toward making it a reality is moving rapidly. The race is on to be first to beam down a gigawatt of solar power from a space satellite in orbit, enabling cities and nations to build their own renewable electricity infrastructure. China has already made major strides, with their 2021-2025 SBSP target date putting them in the lead.
In a real-world SBSP scenario, self-assembling satellites and inflatable mirrors or reflectors would be launched into space to cover a large swath of space. The solar panels would then convert the incoming sunlight into either microwave or laser transmissions. The resulting beams are beamed back down to Earth, where they would be connected to the electric grid via solar power receiving stations. Currently, the race is on between several conglomerates to be the first to launch a solar space station.
The environment out in space is harsher on solar panels than we are used to here on Earth. Radiation damage can degrade solar cells up to 8 times faster than those installed on the ground. There is also the potential for wasting energy as it travels between space and Earth, which must be overcome in any serious plan to use solar power for a sustained period.
One way to reduce degradation is by choosing a solar cell with higher efficiency. A single-junction silicon cell has an efficiency of 20%, whereas multi-junction designs offer up to 86.6% efficiency under laboratory conditions. Some research has been conducted into perovskites, a new material that can be fabricated more easily and in thin layers. Lab tests show that these may be more efficient than silicon, though their performance is still being developed and vetted for space applications.
Other Substrates
For space solar power to work, it needs to convert the sunlight it receives into usable energy that can then be beamed back down to Earth. This is achieved by solar cells, which take in light and transform it into electricity by absorbing the sun’s radiation. These are usually multi-junction cells that take advantage of layers of different materials that efficiently convert the sun’s radiation into usable energy. Currently, the most common type of solar cell used for SBSP is silicon. However, there are many other potential options for future use.
One of the best-known types of space-based solar cells is thin-film solar, which uses a layer of semiconductors deposited on a substrate like glass. Thin-film technology is ideally suited to the lightweight needs of space solar power and can be manufactured more efficiently than traditional silicon cells. This means it could eventually replace silicon as the standard for solar energy in both terrestrial and space applications.
CdTe and CIGS are two of the most commonly used thin-film solar technologies. These use cadmium, indium, and gallium to create a wide-bandgap photovoltaic (PV) material. Both cells show high efficiency in the lab but are challenging to produce at scale, making them largely reserved for research applications such as satellites. Another emerging technology is perovskites which are showing high efficiencies in the lab and can be produced much more cheaply than crystalline silicon. These have a tunable bandgap and can be combined into hybrid tandems with lower bandgap silicon to reach record efficiencies of over 30%.
PV converts the sun’s light into direct current electricity unlike solar thermal systems. The light energy is transferred to negatively charged particles in the semiconductor material called electrons which can then be extracted through conductive metal contacts on the solar cell. This electricity can then be transported to the grid, homes, and businesses to power devices and appliances.
The key challenges for space-based solar are the cost and weight of the elements needed to support an orbital station. Assembling and transporting these elements will require a significant number of space shuttle launches which are expensive and emit greenhouse gases. Also, a large portion of the station will have to be encased in materials that are resistant to the corrosive environment of space and the possibility of micrometeoroids.
Future Substrates
Space-based solar power (SSP) is a powerful alternative to the more traditional methods of powering spacecraft, especially those relying on radioisotopes for energy. In addition to reducing the risk of radiation-induced damage, solar arrays can be smaller and lighter. This reduces the size and weight of a spacecraft and increases its maneuverability. It also allows for longer missions, as a spacecraft that needs less energy can travel further. The apparent sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines recently showed how politically unstable our world is, so reliance on foreign energy sources can be a problem. By utilizing SSP, we can create our own locally-sourced power that is far more secure from international conflict than oil or natural gas.
As the need for SSP in outer planetary missions continues to grow, scientists are developing new technologies for solar cells. They are striving to improve cell efficiency, reduce cost, reduce weight, and increase radiation tolerance. Perovskites are uniquely positioned to achieve all of these. These are a promising class of materials that have been shown to perform well in laboratory tests.
These new materials are easier to work with than silicon, as they can be fabricated in thin and flexible layers. Additionally, they can produce higher currents and voltages than conventional cells. This is especially important for powering spacecraft that will encounter harsh environments. The next challenge is to ensure that these cells can last in the rigors of space and that they do not degrade from radiation damage.
One approach to this issue is to use a structure called an inverted variant. This is an architecture where the highest-energy cells are grown first, followed by those with lower energy content. By doing this, it is possible to optimize the layers and lattice match, which leads to much better cell performance.
Aside from the increased efficiency, this technology can be used to produce a variety of other products, including photovoltaic cells, LEDs and solar panels. These can be used on satellites to provide electrical power and light, as well as a source of water and air. They can also be used to store and transmit data from sensors on rovers, as well as to generate heat for thermal management systems. In addition, they can be used to manufacture other electronic devices, such as cameras and navigation systems.
