Neutron Damage to Silicon Solar Cells

Silicon solar cells of the n/p 5 to 10 Ω -cm type have been irradiated with neutron fluences from 5.2 x 109 to 1.5 x 1013 n/cm2 using a TRIGA reactor. Current-voltage characteristics, spectral response, and diffusion length measurements have been made and the results interrelated. Agreement with theory is good. Diffusion length depends upon injection level in a manner similar to that for proton irradiation.