Reference Number: DEVCOM-147
Project Description
Investigate the radiation tolerance of ultra-wide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductor materials to increase the power density of both betavoltaic and alphavoltaic persistent power sources. Unattended sensor networks support persistent surveillance in locations where direct observations are difficult. In remote locations, battery life is essential in sensor element lifetime and may determine the feasibility and utility. Radioisotope power sources open the opportunity for long-lived operation of electronics. For example, the 13 year half-life of tritium and the ~100 year half-life of Ni radioisotopes, make them attractive for unique power sources for small sensors/communications nodes and GPS, in a distributed power architecture. Research related to nuclear scattering simulation with alpha and beta particle scattering, generating electrons, simulating electron transport in materials, characterizing energy conversion materials for radiation tolerance, designing device packaging for microrobotics, as well as device packaging are involved in this project area. Investigating issues of extended power source lifetime is the primary outcome of this program.
Technical Skills
- Semiconductor physics
- Optical characterization of materials
