Gallium Nitride Direct Energy Conversion Betavoltaic Modeling and Optimization

Abstract

This paper analyzes the use of a wide-bandgap betavoltaic towards use as a long lasting low power battery for various applications. The paper establishes a model for gallium nitride betavoltaics through use of experimentation and software tools. Software tools include Silvaco ATLAS and MCNPX, a simulation model is formed and analyzed to identify the parameters that create the most impact on optimization. Optimization can only occur through a verified model. The depletion region provides the most discernible effect towards device efficiency. Design approaches that best match the beta range to the limits of gallium nitride device characteristics are discussed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1042229

Entities

People

  • Johnny Jr A. Russo
  • Marc S. Litz
  • Stephen Bayne
  • William Ii B. Ray

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Charge Carriers
  • Compound Semiconductors
  • Electric Power
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Energy
  • Energy
  • Energy Conversion
  • Fabrication
  • High Energy
  • Internet Of Things
  • Materials
  • Power Electronics
  • Pulsed Power
  • Radiation
  • Semiconductor Devices
  • Semiconductors
  • Solar Cells

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Semiconductor Device Technology
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics