A betavoltaic device is a type of nuclear battery that generates an electric current from the beta particles emitted by a radioactive source, using semiconductor junctions. Tritium, an isotope of hydrogen, is a commonly used source. Unlike most nuclear power sources, which use radiation to generate heat that is then converted into electricity, a betavoltaic device converts energy directly through a non-thermal process, turning the electron-hole pairs created by the ionization trail of beta particles crossing a semiconductor into current.
Facts
Classification
MaturityTRL 9: Actual System Proven in Operational Environment 1 Technology Type Connections
Uses Source
Source Betavoltaic device - Wikipedia
Sources
1. Betavoltaic device - Wikipedia
Introduction
is a type of nuclear battery
Technology maturity, entity description (description property itself uncited on this atlas; cited against the entity's own live or freshly minted Wikipedia source instead)
Tritium, an isotope of hydrogen, is a commonly used source.
Uses Source: Nuclear Power, Lead
a type of nuclear battery that generates electric current from beta particles
In Group: Direct Energy Conversion Devices, Lead
A betavoltaic device (betavoltaic cell or betavoltaic battery) is a type of nuclear battery that generates electric current from beta particles (electrons or positrons) emitted from a radioactive source, using semiconductor junctions.
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