The proposed device will fulfill NASA's need for photovoltaic cells with a high specific power output with respect to both area and mass. These cells can be installed on NASA spacecraft, satellites, and other space vehicles for which size and weight are paramount concerns. These devices may also have applications in lightweight, compact cells for small portable electronic devices to be used by NASA astronauts.
The proposed photovoltaic cells will have commercial applications in small-scale power generation. This technology could provide high-efficiency modules for rooftop power generation, where the available surface area for cell installation is very limited. Compelling applications also exist in the commercial aerospace market, particularly for power generation on commercial satellites. In addition, creation of a robust ferroelectric semiconductor may also provide a platform for quantum computing through a giant Rashba effect predicted to occur in ferroelectric semiconductors.
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