Scintillator Semiconductor Nuclear Battery Radiation Shielding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for converting radioactive energy into usable electrical power are inefficient, particularly for small-scale applications, and face challenges such as radiation damage and limited scalability due to the direct conversion of beta particles in semiconductor junctions, which restricts the use of higher energy emitters like strontium-90.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radioactive materials into scintillator materials that convert radiation into lower energy photons, which are then converted into electrical energy using an energy conversion device, allowing for indirect conversion and shielding the semiconductor junction from high-energy radiation, and using semiconductor diodes with radioactive materials as constituents to enhance power density and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If direct conversion of beta particles in semiconductor junctions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but radiation damage occurs and limits the use of higher energy emitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scintillator material as an intermediary between the radioactive source and semiconductor junction. The scintillator converts high-energy beta particles into lower-energy photons, which then interact with the semiconductor. This mediator protects the semiconductor from direct radiation damage while enabling the use of higher energy emitters like strontium-90.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the radiation conversion function from the semiconductor junction itself and places it in a separate scintillator layer. This separation allows the semiconductor to focus on electrical conversion while the scintillator handles the harsh radiation environment, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and radiation resistance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If indirect conversion through scintillator material is used, then radiation damage is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radioactive source, scintillator material, and semiconductor junction into a single integrated device structure. While the functional layers are distinct, they are combined into one compact unit that performs both radiation conversion and electrical generation, minimizing external complexity despite the internal multi-layer structure.
3Power
If higher energy emitters like strontium-90 are used, then power density is improved, but direct conversion in semiconductor junctions causes excessive radiation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator acts as a radiation mediator that absorbs high-energy beta particles from strontium-90 and converts them to lower-energy photons. This allows the system to harness the high power density of strontium-90 while protecting the semiconductor from the damaging effects of direct high-energy particle impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter of radiation through the scintillator conversion process. High-energy beta particles (several MeV) are transformed into lower-energy photons, altering the radiation parameters to be compatible with semiconductor operation while preserving the high power output capability.
4Reliability
If radiothermal generators are used for small portable applications, then reliability is improved, but heat loss increases due to increased surface area to volume ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical conversion system (thermocouples and heat transfer) with a direct radiation-to-electricity conversion system using scintillators and semiconductors. This eliminates the intermediate thermal steps that cause heat loss, particularly important for small devices where surface area to volume ratio increases heat dissipation.
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
This approach enables the development of nuclear batteries with higher energy density and efficiency, capable of utilizing higher energy emitters like strontium-90, offering improved power output and scalability compared to existing technologies, with potential applications in implantable devices, space missions, and remote monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation emitted from the radioactive isotope is converted into light emitted by the scintillator material
Implementation Method 2
An energy conversion device is coupled to the first scintillator material. The energy conversion device converts the light to electrical power
Implementation Method 3
A radioactive material is incorporated within the scintillator material. The radiation emitted from the radioactive isotope
Data Source
AI summary
Scintillator and semiconductor based materials incorporating radioactive materials and their method of manufacture are disclosed. The disclosed materials are integrated with energy conversion devices and structures to provide nuclear battery assemblies which exhibit increased power densities.