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Nano Power Research Labs

Nanostructured Radioisotope Batteries

Indirect Conversion Radioisotope Batteries

Schematic depicting the structure of an indirect conversion radioisotope battery. The radiation (in this example alpha particles ) are incident with the nanophosphor or quantum dot layer which absorbs the radiation and subsequently emits it in the form of visible light. The key to optimal conversion efficiency is proper tuning between the photovoltaic cells spectral responsivity with that of the phosphor emission wavelength. Europium doped Y2O3 has been shown to precisely align with the responsivity of the InGaP2 photodiodes.

Further mitigating the effects of radiation damage may also be achieved by an indirect drive energy conversion scheme. In this approach, a radioluminescent phosphor (meaning it phosphoresces under nuclear radiation) can be used as in intermediate layer to protect the photodiode used in a direct drive radioisotope battery. To generate power, the light emitted from the intermediate layer is absorbed and converted into electricity via the photodiode. This approach shifts the focus of radiation damage to the intermediate layer. Additionally, a two stage energy conversion process is required which may reduce the overall efficiency of the device if the nuclear-to-light conversion efficiency of the intermediate layer is poor. To combat both of these issues, quantum dots and nanophosphors are being developed. Researchers have suggested that nanocrystalline materials can withstand greater doses of radiation and have the potential for high conversion efficiency. The goal of the NPRL is to synthesize these nanocrystalline materials and to investigate their utility as radioluminescent phosphors to enhance the power output and lifetime of the indirect drive radioisotope device.

Photoluminescence from rare earth doped Y2O3 nanophosphors (red is Eu doped and green is Tb doped) along with ZnS:Ag under UV excitation.
Recent Publications:
Cress, C.D.; Landi, B.J.; Raffaelle, R.P.; Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on 55(3), June 2008 pp. 1736 – 1743.
Cory D. Cress, Christopher S. Redino, Brian J. Landi, Ryne P. Raffaelle, J. Sol. State Chem. 181 (8) 2008, pp. 2041-2045.

» Direct Conversion Radioisotope Batterie