Novel high efficiency quadruple junction solar cell with current matching and quantum efficiency simulations
arXiv2019-03-23
A high theoretical efficiency of 47.2% was achieved by a novel combination of In0.51Ga0.49P, GaAs, In0.24Ga0.76As and In0.19Ga0.81Sb subcell layers in a simulated quadruple junction solar cell under 1 sun concentration. The electronic bandgap of these materials are 1.9 eV, 1.42 eV, 1.08 eV and 0.55 eV respectively. This unique arrangement enables the cell absorb photons from ultraviolet to deep infrared wavelengths of the sunlight. Emitter and base thicknesses of the subcells and doping levels of the materials were optimized to maintain the same current in all the four junctions and to obtain the highest conversion efficiency. The short-circuit current density, open circuit voltage and fill factor of the solar cell are 14.7 mA/cm2, 3.38 V and 0.96 respectively. In our design, we considered 1 sun, AM 1.5 global solar spectrum.
SEP environment in the inner heliosphere from Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe
arXiv2024-08-05
The Sun drives a supersonic wind which inflates a giant plasma bubble in our very local interstellar neighborhood, the heliosphere. It is bathed in an extremely variable background of energetic ions and electrons which originate from a number of sources. Solar energetic particles (SEPs) are accelerated in the vicinity of the Sun, whereas shocks driven by solar disturbances are observed to accelerate energetic storm particles (ESPs). Moreover, a dilute population with a distinct composition forms the anomalous cosmic rays (ACRs) which are of a mixed interstellar-heliospheric origin. Particles are also accelerated at planetary bow shocks. We will present recent observations of energetic particles by Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe, as well as other spacecraft that allow us to study the acceleration and transport of energetic particles at multiple locations in the inner heliosphere.
Axial vs. Radial Junction Nanowire Solar Cell
arXiv2021-03-24
Both axial and radial junction nanowire solar cells have their challenges and advantages. However, so far, there is no review that explicitly provides a detailed comparative analysis of both axial and radial junction solar cells. This article reviews some of the recent results on axial and radial junction nanowire solar cells with an attempt to perform a comparative study between the optical and device behavior of these cells. In particular, we start by reviewing different results on how the absorption can be tuned in axial and radial junction solar cells. We also discuss results on some of the critical device concepts that are required to achieve high efficiency in axial and radial junction solar cells. We include a section on new device concepts that can be realized in nanowire structures. Finally, we conclude this review by discussing a few of the standing challenges of nanowire solar cells.
Dynamic electrical behavior of halide perovskite based solar cells
arXiv2016-06-01
A dynamic electrical model is introduced to investigate the hysteretic effects in the I-V characteristics of perovskite based solar cells. By making a simple ansatz for the polarization relaxation, our model is able to reproduce qualitatively and quantitatively detailed features of measured I-V characteristics. Pre-poling effects are discussed, pointing out the differences between initially over- and under-polarized samples. In particular, the presence of the current over-shoot observed in the reverse characteristics is correlated with the solar cell pre-conditioning. Furthermore, the dynamic hysteresis is analyzed with respect to changing the bias scan rate, the obtained results being consistent with experimentally reported data: the hysteresis amplitude is maximum at intermediate scan rates, while at very slow and very fast ones it becomes negligible. The effects induced by different relaxation time scales are assessed. The proposed dynamic electrical model offers a comprehensive view of the solar cell operation, being a practical tool for future calibration of tentative microscopic descriptions.
CH3NH3PbI3/GeSe bilayer heterojunction solar cell with high performance
arXiv2017-10-24
Perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) solar cells have made significant advances recently. In this paper, we propose a bilayer heterojunction solar cell comprised of a perovskite layer combining with a IV-VI group semiconductor layer, which can give a conversion efficiency even higher than the conventional perovskite solar cell. Such a scheme uses a property that the semiconductor layer with a direct band gap can be better in absorption of long wavelength light and is complementary to the perovskite layer. We studied the semiconducting layers such as GeSe, SnSe, GeS, and SnS, respectively, and found that GeSe is the best, where the optical absorption efficiency in the perovskite/GeSe solar cell is dramatically increased. It turns out that the short circuit current density is enhanced 100% and the power conversion efficiency is promoted 42.7% (to a high value of 23.77%) larger than that in a solar cell with only single perovskite layer. The power conversion efficiency can be further promoted so long as the fill factor and open-circuit voltage are improved. This strategy opens a new way on developing the solar cells with high performance and practical applications.
Upflows in the upper solar atmosphere
arXiv2021-02-04
Spectroscopic observations at extreme and far ultraviolet wavelengths have revealed systematic upflows in the solar transition region and corona. These upflows are best seen in the network structures of the quiet Sun and coronal holes, boundaries of active regions, and dimming regions associated with coronal mass ejections. They have been intensively studied in the past two decades because they are highly likely to be closely related to the formation of the solar wind and heating of the upper solar atmosphere. We present an overview of the characteristics of these upflows, introduce their possible formation mechanisms, and discuss their potential roles in the mass and energy transport in the solar atmosphere. Though past investigations have greatly improved our understanding of these upflows, they have left us with several outstanding questions and unresolved issues that should be addressed in the future. New observations from the Solar Orbiter mission, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope and the Parker Solar Probe will likely provide critical information to advance our understanding of the generation, propagation and energization of these upflows.
The "FIP Effect" and the Origins of Solar Energetic Particles and of the Solar Wind
arXiv2018-01-17
We find that the element abundances in solar energetic particles (SEPs) and in the slow solar wind (SSW), relative to those in the photosphere, show different patterns as a function of the first ionization potential (FIP) of the elements. Generally, the SEP and SSW abundances reflect abundance samples of the solar corona, where low-FIP elements, ionized in the chromosphere, are more efficiently conveyed upward to the corona than high-FIP elements that are initially neutral atoms. Abundances of the elements, especially C, P, and S show a crossover from low to high FIP at ~10 eV in the SEPs but ~14 eV for the solar wind. Naively this seems to suggest cooler plasma from sunspots beneath active regions. More likely, if the ponderomotive force of Alfvén waves preferentially conveys low-FIP ions into the corona, the source plasma that eventually will be shock-accelerated as SEPs originates in magnetic structures where Alfvén waves resonate with the loop length on closed magnetic field lines. This concentrates FIP fractionation near the top of the chromosphere. Meanwhile, the source of the SSW may lie near the base of diverging open-field lines surrounding, but outside of, active regions,
Radiation hardness and post irradiation regeneration behavior of GaInAsP solar cells
arXiv2020-04-01
Recent developments have renewed the demand for solar cells with increased tolerance to radiation damage. To investigate the specific irradiation damage of 1 MeV electron irradiation in GaInAsP lattice matched to InP for varying In and P contents, a simulation based analysis is employed: by fitting the quantum efficiency and open-circuit voltage simultaneously before and after irradiation, the induced changes in lifetime are detected. Furthermore, the reduction of irradiation damage during regeneration under typical satellite operating conditions for GEO missions (60°C and AM0 illumination) is investigated. A clear decrease of the radiation damage is observed after post irradiation regeneration. This regeneration effect is stronger for increasing InP-fraction. It is demonstrated that the irradiation induced defect recombination coefficient for irradiation with 1 MeV electrons after regeneration for 216 hours can be described with a linear function of InP-fraction between 1*10$^{-5}$ cm$^2$/s for GaAs and 7*10$^{-7}$ cm$^2$/s for InP. The results show that GaInAsP is a promising material for radiation hard space solar cells.
Development of a method for determining the search window for solar flare neutrinos
arXiv2019-09-24
Neutrinos generated during solar flares remain elusive. However, after $50$ years of discussion and search, the potential knowledge unleashed by their discovery keeps the search crucial. Neutrinos associated with solar flares provide information on otherwise poorly known particle acceleration mechanisms during solar flare. For neutrino detectors, the separation between atmospheric neutrinos and solar flare neutrinos is technically encumbered by an energy band overlap. To improve differentiation from background neutrinos, we developed a method to determine the temporal search window for neutrino production during solar flares. Our method is based on data recorded by solar satellites, such as Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES), Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), and GEOTAIL. In this study, we selected 23 solar flares above the X5.0 class that occurred between 1996 and 2018. We analyzed the light curves of soft X-rays, hard X-rays, $γ$-rays, line $γ$-rays from neutron capture as well as the derivative of soft X-rays. The average search windows are determined as follows: $4,178$ s for soft X-ray, $700$ s for derivative of soft X-ray, $9
Solar structure and evolution
arXiv2020-07-13
The Sun provides a critical benchmark for the general study of stellar structure and evolution. Also, knowledge about the internal properties of the Sun is important for the understanding of solar atmospheric phenomena, including the solar magnetic cycle. Here I provide a brief overview of the theory of stellar structure and evolution, including the physical processes and parameters that are involved. This is followed by a discussion of solar evolution, extending from the birth to the latest stages. As a background for the interpretation of observations related to the solar interior I provide a rather extensive analysis of the sensitivity of solar models to the assumptions underlying their calculation. I then discuss the detailed information about the solar interior that has become available through helioseismic investigations and the detection of solar neutrinos, with further constraints provided by the observed abundances of the lightest elements. Revisions in the determination of the solar surface abundances have led to increased discrepancies, discussed in some detail, between the observational inferences and solar models. I finally briefly address the relation of the Sun to ot
The Properties of Non-Potential Magnetic Field Parameters in a Super-Active Region with Complex Structures and Strong Solar Flares
arXiv2025-06-16
In this study, the non-potential magnetic field parameters of active region NOAA 9077 are investigated; this AR experienced a super-strong X5.7 solar flare. Using advanced extrapolation techniques, the 3D magnetic field structure from vector magnetograms is obtained from the Solar Magnetic Field Telescope (SMFT) at Huairou Solar Observing Station (HSOS). Then various non-potential parameters are calculated, including current density, shear angle, quasi-separatrix layers (QSLs), twist, and field line helicity. By analyzing the spatial and temporal distributions of these parameters, we aim to shed light on the relationship between magnetic field properties and solar flare occurrence. Our findings reveal that high twist and complex magnetic field configurations are prevalent before flares, while these features tend to weaken after the eruption. Additionally, we observe decreases in helicity and free energy after the flare, while the free energy peaks approximately 1.5 days prior to the onset of the flare. Furthermore, we investigate the distribution of quasi-separatrix layers and twist, finding high degrees of complexity before flares. Multiple patterns of high current density regions
The State of Self-Organized Criticality of the Sun During the Last 3 Solar Cycles. I. Observations
arXiv2010-06-24
We analyze the occurrence frequency distributions of peak fluxes $P$, total fluxes $E$, and durations $T$ of solar flares over the last three solar cycles (during 1980--2010) from hard X-ray data of HXRBS/SMM, BATSE/CGRO, and RHESSI. From the synthesized data we find powerlaw slopes with mean values of $α_P=1.72\pm0.08$ for the peak flux, $α_E=1.60\pm0.14$ for the total flux, and $α_T=1.98\pm0.35$ for flare durations. We find a systematic anti-correlation of the powerlaw slope of peak fluxes as a function of the solar cycle, varying with an approximate sinusoidal variation $α_P(t)=α_0+Δα\cos{[2π(t-t_0)/T_{cycle}]}$, with a mean of $α_0=1.73$, a variation of $Δα=0.14$, a solar cycle period $T_{cycle}=12.6$ yrs, and a cycle minimum time $t_0=1984.1$. The powerlaw slope is flattest during the maximum of a solar cycle, which indicates a higher magnetic complexity of the solar corona that leads to an overproportional rate of powerful flares.
Element Abundances in Solar Energetic Particles and the Solar Corona
arXiv2013-06-10
This is a study of abundances of the elements He, C, N, O, Ne, Mg, Si, S, Ar, Ca, and Fe in solar energetic particles (SEPs) in the 2 - 15 MeV amu-1 region measured on the Wind spacecraft during 54 large SEP events occurring between November 1994 and June 2012. The origin of most of the temporal and spatial variations in abundances of the heavier elements lies in rigidity-dependent scattering during transport of the particles away from the site of acceleration at shock waves driven out from the Sun by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Variation in the abundance of Fe is correlated with the Fe spectral index, as expected from scattering theory but not previously noted. Clustering of Fe abundances during the "reservoir" period, late in SEP events, is also newly reported. Transport-induced enhancements in one region are balanced by depletions in another, thus, averaging over these variations produces SEP abundances that are energy independent, confirms previous SEP abundances in this energy region, and provides a credible measure of element abundances in the solar corona. These SEP-determined coronal abundances differ from those in the solar photosphere by a well-known function that depe
Solar Modulation of Cosmic Rays during the Declining and Minimum Phases of Solar Cycle 23: Comparison with Past Three Solar Cycles
arXiv2013-11-28
We study solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) during the deep solar minimum, including the declining phase, of solar cycle 23 and compare the results of this unusual period with the results obtained during similar phases of the previous solar cycles 20, 21, and 22. These periods consist of two epochs each of negative and positive polarities of the heliospheric magnetic field from the north polar region of the Sun. In addition to cosmic ray data, we utilize simultaneous solar and interplanetary plasma/field data including the tilt angle of the heliospheric current sheet. We study the relation between simultaneous variations in cosmic ray intensity and solar/interplanetary parameters during the declining and the minimum phases of cycle 23. We compare these relations with those obtained for the same phases in the three previous solar cycles. We observe certain peculiar features in cosmic ray modulation during the minimum of solar cycle 23 including the record high GCR intensity. We find, during this unusual minimum, that the correlation of GCR intensity is poor with sunspot number (R = -0.41), better with interplanetary magnetic field (R = -0.66), still better with solar wi
On the relationship of the 27-day variations of the solar wind velocity and galactic cosmic ray intensity in minimum epoch of solar activity
arXiv2015-04-03
We study the relationship of the 27-day variation of the galactic cosmic ray intensity with similar changes of the solar wind velocity and the interplanetary magnetic field based on the experimental data for the Bartels rotation period 2379 of 23 November 2007-19 December 2007. We develop a three dimensional (3-D) model of the 27-day variation of galactic cosmic ray intensity based on the heliolongitudinally dependent solar wind velocity. A consistent, divergence-free interplanetary magnetic field is derived by solving Maxwells equations with a heliolongitudinally dependent 27-day variation of the solar wind velocity reproducing in situ observations. We consider two types of 3-D models of the 27-day variation of galactic cosmic ray intensity - (1) with a plane heliospheric neutral sheet, and (2)- with the sector structure of the interplanetary magnetic field. The theoretical calculation shows that the sector structure does not influence significantly on the 27-day variation of galactic cosmic ray intensity as it was shown before based on the experimental data. Also a good agreement is found between the time profiles of the theoretically expected and experimentally obtained first ha
Magnetic Clouds: Solar Cycle Dependence, Sources, and Geomagnetic Impacts
arXiv2018-08-13
Magnetic clouds (MCs) are transient magnetic structures giving the strongest southward magnetic field (Bz south) in the solar wind. The sheath regions of MCs may also carry southward magnetic field. Southward magnetic field is responsible for causing space-weather disturbances. We report a comprehensive analysis of MCs and Bz components in their sheath regions during 1995 to 2017. Eighty-five percent of 303 MCs contain a south Bz up to 50 nT. Sheath Bz during the 23 years may reach as high as 40 nT. The MCs of strongest magnetic magnitude and Bz south occur in the declining phase of the solar cycle. The bipolar MCs have solar-cycle dependence in their polarity, but not in the occurrence frequency. Unipolar MCs show solar-cycle dependence in their occurrence frequency but not in their polarity. MCs with the highest speeds, largest total B magnitudes and sheath Bz south are from source regions closer to the solar disk center. About 80% of large Dst storms are caused by MC events. The combinations of south Bz in the sheath and the south-first MCs in close succession have given the largest storms. The solar-cycle dependence of bipolar MCs is extended to 2017, spanning 42 years. We find
The Solar Cycle
arXiv2015-02-25
The Solar Cycle is reviewed. The 11-year cycle of solar activity is characterized by the rise and fall in the numbers and surface area of sunspots. A number of other solar activity indicators also vary in association with the sunspots including; the 10.7cm radio flux, the total solar irradiance, the magnetic field, flares and coronal mass ejections, geomagnetic activity, galactic cosmic ray fluxes, and radioisotopes in tree rings and ice cores. Individual solar cycles are characterized by their maxima and minima, cycle periods and amplitudes, cycle shape, the equatorward drift of the active latitudes, hemispheric asymmetries, and active longitudes. Cycle-to-cycle variability includes the Maunder Minimum, the Gleissberg Cycle, and the Gnevyshev-Ohl (even-odd) Rule. Short-term variability includes the 154-day periodicity, quasi-biennial variations, and double-peaked maxima. We conclude with an examination of prediction techniques for the solar cycle and a closer look at cycles 23 and 24.
The Abundance of Helium in the Source Plasma of Solar Energetic Particles
arXiv2017-08-16
Studies of patterns of abundance enhancements of elements, relative to solar-coronal abundances, in large solar energetic-particle (SEP) events, and of their power-law dependence on the mass-to-charge ratio A/Q of the ions, have been used to determine the effective source-plasma temperature T that defines the Q-values of the ions. We find that a single assumed value for the coronal reference He/O ratio in all SEP events is often inconsistent with the transport-induced power-law trend of the other elements. In fact, the coronal He/O actually varies rather widely from one SEP event to another. In the large Fe-rich SEP events with T = 3 MK, where shock waves, driven out by coronal mass ejections (CMEs), have reaccelerated residual ions from impulsive suprathermal events that occur earlier in solar active regions, He/O = 90, a ratio similar to that in the slow solar wind, which may also originate from active regions. Ions in the large SEP events with T < 2 MK may be accelerated outside active regions, and have values of 40 < He/O < 60. Mechanisms that determine coronal abundances, including variations of He/O, are likely to occur near the base of the corona (at ~ 1.1 RS) and t
Observation and Modeling of Small Spatial Structures of Solar Radio Noise Storms using the uGMRT
arXiv2025-07-10
One of the most commonly observed solar radio sources in the metric and decametric wavelengths is the solar noise storm. These are generally associated with active regions and are believed to be powered by the plasma emission mechanism. Since plasma emission emits primarily at the fundamental and harmonic of the local plasma frequency, it is significantly affected by density inhomogeneities in the solar corona. The source can become significantly scatter-broadened due to the multi-path propagation caused by refraction from the density inhomogeneities. Past observational and theoretical estimates suggest some minimum observable source size in the solar corona. The details of this limit, however, depends on the modeling approach and details of the coronal turbulence model chosen. Hence pushing the minimum observable source size to smaller values can help constrain the plasma environment of the observed sources. In this work, we for the first time, use data from the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in the 250--500 MHz band, to determine multiple instances of very small-scale structures in the noise storms. We also find that these structures are stable over timescales of 15--30
Improvements of the Longitudinal Magnetic Field Measurement from the Solar Magnetic Field Telescope at Huairou Solar Observing Station
arXiv2019-04-15
The weak-field approximation implying linear relationship between Stokes $V/I$ and longitudinal magnetic field, $B_{\Vert}$, often suffers from saturation observed in strong magnetic field regions such as sunspot umbra. In this work, we intend to improve the magnetic field observations carried out by the \textit{Solar Magnetic Field Telescope} (SMFT) at Huairou Solar Observing Station, China. We propose using non-linear relationship between Stokes $V/I$ and $B_{\Vert}$ to derive the magnetic field. To determine the form of the relationship, we perform a cross-calibration of the observed SMFT data and magnetograms provided by the \textit{Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager} on board the \textit{Solar Dynamics Observatory}. The algorithm of the magnetic field derivation is described in details. We show that using non-linear relationship between Stokes $V/I$ and $B_{\Vert}$ allows us to eliminate magnetic field saturation inside sunspot umbra. The proposed technique enables one to enhance the reliability of the SMFT magnetic field data obtained even long before the space-based instrumentation era, since 1987.