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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

Applied Radiation and Isotopes : Including Data, Instrumentation and Methods for Use in Agriculture, Industry and Medicine
|November 6, 2007
PubMed
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Researchers developed a long-life radioisotope power source using indirect alpha decay energy conversion. This novel generator successfully powered electronic devices like calculators and watches, demonstrating its practical application.

Area of Science:

  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Electrical Engineering

Background:

  • Radioisotope power systems offer advantages like long service life and high energy density.
  • Indirect conversion of radioactive decay energy presents an alternative to traditional thermoelectric methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a long-life radioisotope-powered electric generator utilizing indirect alpha decay energy conversion.
  • To demonstrate the feasibility of powering small electronic devices with this novel power source.

Main Methods:

  • Prototyping involved a Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) alpha emitter and Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs) photovoltaic cells.
  • The system was designed for low-light intensity conditions, integrating the alpha emitter, phosphor screens, and voltaic arrays.

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Main Results:

  • The developed power source exhibited a short-circuit current (Isc) of 14 microA and an open-circuit voltage (Uoc) of 2.3 V.
  • The prototype generated a power output of 21 microwatts (µW).
  • Successfully powered an eight-digit electronic calculator and a wristwatch.

Conclusions:

  • Indirect conversion of alpha decay energy is a viable method for creating long-life radioisotope power sources.
  • The prototype demonstrates the potential for powering low-power electronic devices, such as calculators and watches.