Self-reciprocating radioisotope-powered cantilever

Abstract

A reciprocating cantilever utilizing emitted charges from a millicurie radioisotope thin film is presented. The actuator realizes a direct collected-charge-to-motion conversion. The reciprocation is obtained by self-timed contact between the cantilever and the radioisotope source. A static model balancing the electrostatic and mechanical forces from an equivalent circuit leads to an analytical solution useful for device characterization. Measured reciprocating periods agree with predicted values from the analytical model. A scaling analysis shows that microscale arrays of such cantilevers provide an integrated sensor and actuator platform.

Temperature effect on betavoltaic microbatteries based on Si and GaAs under 63 Ni and 147 Pm irradiation

“…These characteristics are modified with the development of micropower [3][4][5]. In 2002, Blanchard's research team demonstrated that the energy released from a radioactive element could serve as a power source of a MEMS [6]. With the development of semiconductors, MEMS, based on the power supply for betavoltaic microbatteries, has broad application prospects in polar sea, desert, and space exploration.…”

Alpha-particle-induced luminescence of rare-earth-doped Y2O3 nanophosphors

“…The high energy and power density of radioisotopes have motivated research into devices which can convert the nuclear energy into usable electrical power [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Such radioisotope power devices could have the ability to power portable electronics and autonomous systems for years to decades.…”

Tritiation of amorphous and crystalline silicon using T2 gas

“…High-density tritium fuel can be compactly incorporated in textured silicon having an effective surface area of several hundred square meters per cubic centimeter. Tritiated textured Si can be potentially used for luminescence, 3 nanoactuator, 10 particle detector, 11 and voltaic devices. 1,2 This work was supported by DARPA-MTO Grant No.…”