Silicon carbide photovoltaic converters: a revolutionary technology for powering spacecrafts

Wide bandgap semiconductors can improve the efficiency of optical power transmission (OPT) technology thanks to the reduction of series resistance and intrinsic entropic losses at extremely high-power densities. In this work, we propose optical photovoltaic converters (OPCs) made of silicon carbide (SiC), a wide bandgap material that is breaking new ground in power electronics. We implemented SiC polytypes in the typical horizontal architecture and in a novel vertical arrangement proposed by this group that can further reduce series resistance and shadow losses. Results show that SiC-based OPCs can improve the overall efficiency of the technology at ultra-high laser power densities, broadening the range of applications and paving a new route to revolutionize powering in space exploration.