Betavoltaic battery with diamond moderator and related system and method

摘要

An apparatus includes a beta particle source configured to provide beta particles. The apparatus also includes a diamond moderator configured to convert at least some of the beta particles into lower-energy electrons. The apparatus further includes a PN junction configured to receive the electrons and to provide electrical power to a load. The diamond moderator is located between the beta particle source and the PN junction. The apparatus could also include an electron amplifier configured to bias the diamond moderator. For example, the electron amplifier could be configured to receive some of the beta particles and to generate additional electrons that bias the diamond moderator. Also, the diamond moderator can be configured to receive the beta particles having energies that are spread out over a wider range including higher energies, and the diamond moderator can be configured to provide the electrons concentrated in a narrower range at lower energies.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a beta particle source configured to provide beta particles having energies that are spread out over a wider range including higher energies; a diamond moderator configured to convert at least some of the beta particles into lower-energy electrons concentrated in a narrower range at lower energies; and a PN junction configured to receive the electrons and to provide electrical power to a load; wherein the diamond moderator is located between the beta particle source and the PN junction.