Prototype Nuclear Battery Packs 10 Times More Power
June 1, 2018 | MIPTEstimated reading time: 9 minutes
The work reported in this story has prospects for medical applications. Most state-of-the-art cardiac pacemakers are over 10 cubic centimeters in size and require about 10 microwatts of power. This means that the new nuclear battery could be used to power these devices without any significant changes to their design and size. “Perpetual pacemakers” whose batteries need not be replaced or serviced would improve the quality of life of patients.
The space industry would also greatly benefit from compact nuclear batteries. In particular, there is a demand for autonomous wireless external sensors and memory chips with integrated power supply systems for spacecraft. Diamond is one of the most radiation-proof semiconductors. Since it also has a large bandgap, it can operate in a wide range of temperatures, making it the ideal material for nuclear batteries powering spacecraft.
The researchers are planning to continue their work on nuclear batteries. They have identified several lines of inquiry that should be pursued. Firstly, enriching nickel-63 in the radiation source would proportionally increase battery power. Secondly, developing a diamond p-i-n structure with a controlled doping profile would boost voltage and therefore could increase the power output of the battery at least by a factor of three. Thirdly, enhancing the surface area of the converter would increase the number of nickel-63 atoms on each converter.
TISNCM Director Vladimir Blank, who is also chair of nanostructure physics and chemistry at MIPT, commented on the study: “The results so far are already quite remarkable and can be applied in medicine and space technology, but we are planning to do more. In the recent years, our institute has been rather successful in the synthesis of high-quality doped diamonds, particularly those with n-type conductivity. This will allow us to make the transition from Schottky barriers to p-i-n structures and thus achieve three times greater battery power. The higher the power density of the device, the more applications it will have. We have decent capabilities for high-quality diamond synthesis, so we are planning to utilize the unique properties of this material for creating new radiation-proof electronic components and designing novel electronic and optical devices.”
Page 3 of 3Suggested Items
The Knowledge Base: The Pivotal Role of Solder Paste
09/16/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn the complex world of electronics manufacturing, the humble solder paste plays a pivotal role. Often overshadowed by more conspicuous electronics assembly equipment and materials, this blend of powdered metal and flux is the unsung hero that binds the electronic circuits together. But beyond its adhesive and conductive properties, the selection of the right solder paste is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of electronic devices.
AIM to Present on High Reliability and Highlight NC259FPA Ultrafine No Clean Solder Paste at SMTA Penang Expo & Tech Forum
08/30/2024 | AIM SolderAIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming SMTA Penang Expo & Tech Forum taking place September 25-26 at AC Hotel Penang in Malaysia.
Indium to Highlight High-Reliability Solder Solutions at SMTA Guadalajara
08/28/2024 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation® will feature a range of industry-leading, high-reliability solder products at the Guadalajara Expo & Tech Forum in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, September 11-12.
KYZEN to Attend SMTA Long Island Expo and Tech Forum
08/08/2024 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally friendly cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Long Island Expo and Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Tuesday, August 20 at the Marriott Melville Long Island in Melville, New York.
KYZEN to Promote Pair of Stencil Cleaning Chemistries at SMTA Chihuahua Expo & Tech Forum
07/31/2024 | KYZEN'KYZEN, the global leader in innovative environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at the SMTA Chihuahua Expo & Tech Forum, scheduled to take place Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Hotel Sheraton Soberano in Chihuahua, Mexico.