Semiconductor Energy Converter Calibration Laboratory for Betavoltaic Radioisotopes

Author(s):

Jason Barbier, Nusrat Sarwahrdy, Dylan Flater, and Marc Litz

Abstract:

Nuclear emissions from decaying radioisotopes (RIs) can be converted into power using specialized semiconductor cells. This technology has the advantage of power generation lifetime varying from decades to several centuries, which is useful in battle, logistics, and tamper proof equipment. In this report, beta emitters Promethium-147 and Nickel-63 were used to irradiate both InGaP- and SiC-based cells. The expected output power of each device is calculated analytically by considering geometry and self-attenuation losses that reduce the number of particles that can reach the target active area. I-V curves measured the target device response to determine power, fill factor, and efficiency. Monte Carlo nuclear particle modeling demonstrated the expected flux of particles on the specified target. The RI source and target geometries have been measured and modeled, and both compare well. This capability can now be used in future semiconductor energy conversion efforts investigating ultra-wideband materials.