GaInP/GaAs tandem cells are limited by the current generated in the bottom GaAs junction. Strain-balanced multi-quantum well (MQW) solar cells offer a way of achieving a lower band gap for the lower junction, whilst retaining the lattice parameter of GaAs, and avoiding non-radiative recombination through dislocations. Further, the addition of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) allows the possibility of light not absorbed by the wells being reflected back into the structure, whilst allowing sub-well band-gap light through to a third Ge junction. Experimental results are presented from MQW cells grown with and without DBRs. These show a higher internal quantum efficiency in the 880 nm - 1 mum region without detriment to the bulk response, when compared to MQW cells without DBRs. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.