A NUCLEAR-PHOTON ENERGY CONVERSION STUDY
Abstract
The characteristics of silicon p-n junction photovoltaic cells were experimentally studied to determine their opera ional properties for use in nuclear-photon energy conversion system. Beta particles from a radioisotope source are absorbed by a luminescent material which emits a multiplicit of low energy photons. These photons are converted to electrical energy by a photovoltaic device. Gamma radiation from Co-60 produced a significant efficiency loss above 100,000 roentgens. The silicon cell efficiency was observed to decrease nearly linearly with increased temperature in the range of 25 to 180 C at a rate of about 0.65% per degree centigrade. A marked efficiency decrease at low illumination intensities, hich is expected from the beta excited phosphor, was observed for the silicon cell tested. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 09, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286024
Entities
People
- H.v. Watts
- S. Nudelman
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute