A. Yogev et al., CONCENTRATING AND SPLITTING OF SOLAR-RADIATION FOR LASER PUMPING AND PHOTOVOLTAIC CONVERSION, Journal of propulsion and power, 12(2), 1996, pp. 405-409
A solar-energy system for space application is introduced based on con
centrating and splitting the solar-radiation spectrum for simultaneous
ly laser pumping (payload) and photovoltaic energy conversion (electri
c power generation). Direct laser pumping by concentrated light of the
appropriate spectrum band is more efficient. Higher efficiency is als
o obtained for concentrator solar cells in the appropriate spectrum ba
nd, Heat rejection may also be accomplished at the same time for still
another spectrum band, reducing the thermal problem. High efficiency
solar cells in a common system for several energy-conversion processes
result in reduced weight of the system, and therefore, attractive for
space applications. This article describes two configurations of two-
stage concentrating and spectrally splitting systems. The concept was
demonstrated for one of the configurations.