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| NanoTritium battery - Citi Labs |
The Silicon Graybeard posted about a cube-sat using nuclear power on Wednesday. Citi Labs system 'generates continuous power from the natural beta decay of tritium'. And just how does that work?
Google says:
Direct Conversion (Betavoltaic Cells)
- This is the most common and highly efficient industrial method. It uses a semiconductor junction to absorb the radioactive emissions directly.
- The Mechanism: Tritium naturally decays by converting a neutron into a proton, releasing a low-energy beta particle (a high-speed electron).
- Electron-Hole Generation: The escaping beta particle shoots into a semiconductor absorber (such as silicon, silicon carbide, or diamond). As it traverses the material, it ionizes the atoms, knocking electrons free and leaving behind "holes".
- Current Production: The internal electric field of the semiconductor’s p-n junction sweeps these electron-hole pairs in opposite directions, creating a continuous, usable electric current.
2 comments:
"Current Production: The internal electric field of the semiconductor’s p-n junction sweeps these electron-hole pairs in opposite directions, creating a continuous, usable electric current."
The use of the word "useable" in terms of power is debateable. A 1/4" solar cell illuminated by indoor lighting produces more power.
It's a concept, true enough. Just not sure where they think this is going.
Not water, that is conformal coating to seal the board and circuitry for protection.
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