Introduction to Betavoltaic Technology

 

Betavoltaic: (Beta) meaning beta-electron, the high-energy electron ejected during the decay of a neutron into a proton.

(Voltaic) meaning roughly an electrical voltage producing device.

The above illustration shows a simple diagram of a typical betavoltaic cell

The voltaic junction shown above is further demonstrated in the image below.

The impact of the beta electron on the P/N junction material causes a forward bias in the semiconductor.

This makes the betavoltaic cell a forward bias diode of sorts. Electrons scatter out of their normal orbits in the semiconductor and into the circuit creating a useable electric current.

Leading in this material research for long lasting semiconductors that can take the punishment of long term exposure to beta-electron impact is Sandia National Labs of NM. The University of New Mexico is their partner in this development. The material they are working on is called Icosahedral Boride. In this very hard semiconductor material they have found a potential technology for direct conversion of the beta electron energy into electric current.

Our last report on this technology is that it has a theoretical limit to its efficiency of about 20%. To date this material has only produced an efficiency of about 6% to 8%. This is due to the P and N dopants boiling off in an irregular fashion due to the high melt temperatures required to form the crystals.

Because of this low efficiency level we are looking at an older more tried and true method of beta decay energy extraction. This is the work function difference of dissimilar metals. We have reports of research into this technique going back as far as the Army Research Lab doing testing in 1954. In a device the size of a bread box they achieved a power level of 70 watts for a short time. We are working on this technique and applying isotope decay stimulation technology to the cell as well.

Several potential isotope energy sources have been identified in conventional science due to their high activity and relatively short useful life. The chart below indicates some of these isotopes and their energy values.

We are not looking at any of these isotope sources for energy in our power cell development. Our judgment is that these high activity short life isotopes can only ever find use in military and space contracts. These contracts will likely go to large defense contractors or their subordinate subcontractors. We are working to achieve stimulated decay of very long lived isotopes that we have identified. The following isotope fuel sources are being reviewed.

• Potassium-40
• Molybdenum-100
• Zinc-70

All of these isotopes are of near geological age in their decay rate. For this reason they are not controled or regulated by the government. Each of these have been identified to have a significent beta decay energy.