Monolithic multi-cell GaAs laser power converter with very high current density

Abstract

A very high current density 2-Volt Laser Power Photovoltaic GaAs converter has been fabricated to produce over 360 mW of output power with monochromatic illumination of one optical Watt at 810 nm. To build-up the voltage, the converter consists of two interconnected N/P GaAs elements integrated in series on the semi-insulating GaAs substrate. Several technological issues, including, conductive losses through the sheet for the series interconnection of elements, have been successfully addressed. This device operates at a nominal optical power density of 57W/cm/sup 2/, which is equivalent to over 700 suns of AM1.5D illumination, demonstrating feasibility of fabricating high voltage integrated cells for concentrator applications.