LES-6 solar cell experiment after six years

Cells in the LES-6 solar cell experiment include diffused and ion implanted n/p silicon cells, p/n lithium doped cells, and thin film CdS cells. Degradation data obtained from 6-1/2 years of flight observations show short term low energy proton effects as well as long term data from Van Allen belt electrons and high-energy solar protons. A major departure from the long term degradation normally anticipated occurred during the unusual solar flare activity of August 1972. At this time, P/sub max/ and I/sub SC/ for most cells decreased observably, anywhere from 0.5 to 5.1 percent. Two lithium doped cells made from crucible grown material decreased by approximately 16 percent, but recovered over the subsequent 5 months