Abstract: A flexible solar array for extraterrestrial deployment and a method of manufacturing such a flexible solar array are disclosed. A power generating layer, a durable layer, and an ultraviolet radiation blocking layer are disposed such that durable layer is between the power generating layer and the ultraviolet radiation blocking layer.

Abstract: A radiation pulse, such as from a solar simulator, is spectrally analyzed over a selected sampling pulse that is shorter in duration than the radiation pulse and is timed to begin after the start of the radiation pulse. A deformable membrane mirror is controlled to function as a high speed shutter in the path of the radiation pulse. When not deformed, the mirror reflects the radiation pulse into an optical instrument, such as a spectroradiometer. A sampling pulse is generated for a selected time after the start of the radiation pulse and is applied to the mirror to ensure total reflection of the radiation pulse only for the duration of the sampling pulse. Controls are provided to adjust the start time and duration of the sampling pulse, and to adjust the sensitivity of sensing the start of the radiation pulse.

Abstract: A method of solar cell external interconnection and a solar cell panel (1) made thereby are disclosed. An assembly (2) including a solar cell module (4), a flexible lead frame (5) to which the solar cell module is to be interconnected and a solder located between the solar cell module and the flexible lead frame, is provided. The solder is heated by directing a hot gas (42) into the area of the solder to melt the solder and form a soldered connection (6) between the solar cell module and the lead frame. The soldered assembly is attached to a module carrier panel (3) by embedding a portion of the assembly in a first, flexible adhesive (32) and another portion of the assembly in a second, thermally curable adhesive (33) which is then cured to anchor the assembly on the module carrier panel.

Abstract: An advanced solar simulator illuminates the surface a very large solar array, such as one twenty feet by twenty feet in area, from a distance of about twenty-six feet with an essentially uniform intensity field of pulsed light of an intensity of one AMO, enabling the solar array to be efficiently tested with light that emulates the sun. Light modifiers sculpt a portion of the light generated by an electrically powered high power Xenon lamp and together with direct light from the lamp provide uniform intensity illumination throughout the solar array, compensating for the "square law" and "cosine law" reduction in direct light intensity, particularly at the corner locations of the array. At any location within the array the sum of the direct light and reflected light is essentially constant.

Abstract: A high precision replication system creates a nearly atomic level replica. The basic building block of the replication system is a substrate with a smooth replication surface which is to be replicated, and a graded transition layer applied to the replication surface. The graded transition layer comprises a binding material that adheres strongly to the replication surface and a release material that adheres to the replication surface with substantially less force than does the binding material. The portion of the transition layer closest to the substrate comprises predominantly the binding material, and the portion of the transition layer farthest from the substrate comprises predominantly the release material. A separation layer is applied to the transition layer, followed by a coating. The coating provides a backing to the separation layer, acting as structural support to the separation layer.

Abstract: A cassegrain optical system provides improved collection of off-axis light yet is still characterized by a high concentration ratio. The optical system includes a primary mirror for collecting incoming light and reflecting the light to a secondary mirror which, in turn, reflects the light to a solar cell or other radiation collection device. The primary mirror reflects incoming on-axis light onto an annular section of the secondary mirror and results in the reflection of a substantial amount of incoming off-axis light onto the remainder of the secondary mirror. Thus light which would otherwise be lost to the system will be captured by the collector. Furthermore, the off-axis sections of the secondary mirror may be of a different geometrical shape than the on-axis annular section so as to optimize the amount of off-axis light collected.