Optical and electrical properties of pseudomorphic glass

Abstract

A flexible space solar cell coverglass replacement called Pseudomorphic Glass (PMG) has been under investigation in hopes of providing a robust, high transmissivity replacement for conventional coverglass. PMG is composed of ceria doped borosilicate or fused silica beads incorporated in a variety of polymer matrices. The glass beads provide the primary radiation protection and the polymer matrix provides the mechanical integrity. Ideally, PMG will be flexible, conductive, stable in the UV wavelengths, and emissive in the infrared wavelengths for thermal control. The infrared emittance of the beads and matrix that make up PMG was examined, demonstrating high emissivity of the adhesives in the infrared region. This may allow a PMG coated array to operate at lower temperatures than traditional coverglass. Conductivity of PMG was measured using investigated with multiple techniques. PMG demonstrated little improved conductivity over coverglass, prompting further exploration of incorporation of conductivity into PMG.