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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Basic Positron Emission Tomography System Constructed to Locate a Radioactive Source in a Bi-dimensional Space
Published on: February 1, 2016
Alpha indirect conversion radioisotope power source
Maxim Sychov1, Alexandr Kavetsky, Galina Yakubova
1TRACE Photonics Inc., 1680 West Polk, Charleston, IL 61920, USA. msychov@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Advantages of radioisotope-powered electric generators include long service life, wide temperature range operation and high-energy density. We report development of a long-life generator based on indirect conversion of alpha decay energy. Prototyping used 300 mCi Pu-238 alpha emitter and AlGaAs photovoltaic cells designed for low light intensity conditions. The alpha emitter, phosphor screens, and voltaic arrays were assembled into a power source with the following characteristics: Isc=14 microA; Uoc=2.3 V; power output -21 microW. Using this prototype we have powered an eight-digit electronic calculator and wrist watch.
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