Nuclear Microbattery AlInP Semiconductor Diode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power sources struggle to provide small amounts of power over long periods in harsh environments and applications where chemical batteries are not viable, such as in microelectromechanical systems, aerospace, and biomedical devices, due to limitations in energy density, durability, and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear microbattery utilizing a radioactive source and a semiconductor diode with a crystalline lattice structure of Aluminium, Indium, and Phosphorus (AlInP) to convert photons or particles into electrical energy, offering high energy density, stability, and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional chemical batteries are used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy density is low and the duration of action is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental energy source parameter from chemical to nuclear, using radioactive decay instead of chemical reactions. This parameter change enables both extended duration of action (decades versus hours/days) and high energy density in a compact form factor, directly resolving the contradiction between duration and energy quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining radioactive material (e.g., nickel-63) with a semiconductor converter (AlInP diode). This composite material system transforms nuclear energy into electrical energy, achieving both high energy density from the radioisotope and efficient conversion to usable electricity, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy quantity and duration.
2Reliability
If conventional chemical batteries are used, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability in harsh environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter by using nuclear decay which operates reliably across extreme temperature ranges (-50°C to +150°C) unlike chemical batteries. This parameter change in the energy source enables high reliability in harsh environments while the modular microbattery design keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces disposable chemical batteries with long-lived nuclear microbatteries that have operational lifetimes of decades versus hours or days. This substitution dramatically improves reliability for applications requiring continuous operation in harsh environments, despite the increased complexity of the nuclear conversion system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the semiconductor material thickness is increased to improve absorption, then the conversion efficiency increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the semiconductor material thickness parameter to balance absorption efficiency with manufacturing feasibility. By selecting AlInP with appropriate bandgap properties and controlling the thickness at 1-10 micrometers, the design achieves sufficient particle absorption and conversion efficiency while remaining compatible with standard semiconductor fabrication processes, thus resolving the contradiction between conversion efficiency and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the composite material system of radioactive source coupled with AlInP semiconductor to achieve optimal energy conversion. The specific material combination allows for standardized manufacturing processes that can produce consistent thicknesses with high precision, resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient absorption and maintaining manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nuclear microbattery provides a robust, miniature, and high-efficiency power source capable of supplying small amounts of power (1 pW to 1000 nW) for extended periods (≥10 years) in extreme conditions, suitable for applications like electronic medical implants, military devices, and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor material arranged to receive and absorb photons or particles and generate electrical charge-carriers in response thereto
Implementation Method 2
a radioactive material that emits photons or particles
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear microbattery is disclosed comprising: a radioactive material that emits photons or particles; and at least one diode comprising a semiconductor material arranged to receive and absorb photons or particles and generate electrical charge-carriers in response thereto, wherein said semiconductor material is a crystalline lattice structure comprising Aluminium, Indium and Phosphorus.