Nuclear batteries
US8134216B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG21H1/02
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
We introduce a new technology for Manufacturable, High Power Density, High Volume Utilization Nuclear Batteries. Betavoltaic batteries are an excellent choice for battery applications which require long life, high power density, or the ability to operate in harsh environments. In order to optimize the performance of betavoltaic batteries for these applications or any other application, it is desirable to maximize the efficiency of beta particle energy conversion into power, while at the same time increasing the power density of an overall device. The small (submicron) thickness of the active volume of both the isotope layer and the semiconductor device is due to the short absorption length of beta electrons. The absorption length determines the self absorption of the beta particles in the radioisotope layer as well as the range, or travel distance, of the betas in the semiconductor converter which is typically a semiconductor device comprising at least one PN junction. Various devices and methods to solve the current industry problems and limitations are presented here.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.