Semiconductor Energy Converter Calibration Laboratory for Betavoltaic Radioisotopes
Abstract
Nuclear emissions from decaying radioisotopes (RIs) can be converted into power using specialized semiconductor cells. This technology has the advantage of power generation lifetime varying from decades to several centuries, which is useful in battle, logistics, and tamperproof equipment. In this report, beta emitters Promethium-147 and Nickel-63 were used to irradiate both In GaP- and SiC-based cells. The expected output power of each device is calculated analytically by considering geometry and self-attenuation losses that reduce the number of particles that can reach the target active area. I-V curves measured the target device response to determine power, fill factor, and efficiency. Monte Carlo nuclear particle modeling demonstrated the expected flux of particles on the specified target. The RI source and target geometries have been measured and modeled, and both compare well. This capability can now be used in future semiconductor energy conversion efforts investigating ultra-wideband materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 03, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1209647
Entities
People
- Dylan Flater
- Jason Barbier
- Marc S. Litz
- Nusrat Sarwahrdy
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory
- University of Maryland