Alphavoltaic Power Conversion

Other avenues for power conversion exist using either radiation (alphavoltaics) or heat (thermophotovoltaics) as the source.  In alphavoltaics, alpha particles, rather then photons, generate electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor device.  The advantage of this type of power source are highly compact, long-lifetime batteries than do not require sunlight or recharging.  The challenges of this research involve:

1. Device designs capable of withstanding alpha particle irradiation without sever device degradation.
2. Power conversion efficiency such than sufficient power can be delivered to the microelectronic device.

Possible solutions exist using novel device designs in traditional III-V materials, wide bandgap radiation hard material systems and indirect drive alphavoltaics using quantum dot phosphor coatings.

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