Current generation from radiation with diamond diode-based devices for detection or power generation

US11063162B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Jason M Holmes · Mesa, US
• Franz A. Koeck · Kulm am Zirbitz, AT
• Manpuneet Benipal · Tempe, US
• Ricardo O Alarcon · Chandler, US
• Stephen Goodnick · Fort McDowell, US
• Anna Zaniewski · Tempe, US
• Robert J. Nemanich · Cary, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 2019
• Grant date: Jul 13, 2021
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10F77/122

Abstract

Diamond diode-based devices are configured to convert radiation energy into electrical current, useable for sensing (i.e., detection) or delivery to a load (i.e., energy harvesting). A diode-based detector includes an intrinsic diamond layer arranged between p-type diamond and n-type diamond layers, with the detector further including at least one of (i) a boron containing layer arranged proximate to the n-type and/or the intrinsic diamond layers, or (ii) an intrinsic diamond layer thickness in a range of 10 nm to 300 microns. A diode-based detector may be operated in a non-forward biased state, with a circuit used to transmit a current pulse in a forward bias direction to reset a detection state of the detector. An energy harvesting device may include at least one p-i-n stack (including an intrinsic diamond layer between p-type diamond and n-type diamond layers), with a radioisotope source arranged proximate to the at least one p-i-n stack.