초록 ▼

The present invention is a power cell for directly converting ionizing radiation into electrical energy. The invented isotopic electric converter provides an electrical power source that includes an electronegative material layered in a semiconductor, to form a first region that has a high density o

The present invention is a power cell for directly converting ionizing radiation into electrical energy. The invented isotopic electric converter provides an electrical power source that includes an electronegative material layered in a semiconductor, to form a first region that has a high density of conduction electrons, and an electropositive material also layered in the semiconductor material to form a second region with a high density of holes. Said N-layers region and P-layers region are separated by a neutral zone of semiconductor material doped with a radioactive isotope, such as, but not limited to, tritium. No junction is formed between the N and P layers regions. Rather, the potential gradient across the neutral zone is provided by the difference between the work functions of the electronegative and electropositive electrodes. Electrical contacts are affixed to the respective regions of the first and second type conductivity which become the anode and cathode of the cell, respectively. Beta particles emitted by the tritium generate electron-hole pairs within the neutral zone, which are swept away by the potential gradient between the first and second regions, thereby producing an electric current.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for converting radioactive decay energy directly into electricity, said apparatus comprising:an electronegative region and a spaced apart electropositive region, said electronegative region and electropositive region both comprising a plurality of spaced apart metal foi

[ I claim:] [1.] An apparatus for converting radioactive decay energy directly into electricity, said apparatus comprising:an electronegative region and a spaced apart electropositive region, said electronegative region and electropositive region both comprising a plurality of spaced apart metal foils within a semiconductor material; anda solid semiconductor medium disposed between said electronegative and electropositive regions, said solid semiconductor medium comprising a radioactive material and an ionizing flux for ionizing said semiconductor medium.