Nuclear Powered Battery

Researchers Unveil an Ultra-Efficient, Nuclear-Powered Battery

Introduction

Researchers in China, comprising a team of physicists and engineers from multiple institutions, have developed a miniature Nuclear Battery they claim achieves efficiency up to 8,000 times that of previous models. Their paper appears in Nature.

The Quest for Miniature Nuclear Power Sources

For decades, scientists have sought to develop miniature nuclear power sources capable of powering a wide range of devices, form smartphones to robots and vehicles, for extended periods. However, progress has been hindered by the inherent risks associated with nuclear technology, irrespective of scale.

The Challenge of Nuclear-Charged Batteries

One potential solution is the use of nuclear-charged batteries. However, such devices are typically small to limit the amount of nuclear material, leading to both reduced power output and inefficiency.

Research Findings

In this recent study, the research team discovered a method to develop a significantly more efficient device.

Device Design and Mechanism

The research team developed a straightforward device by incorporating a small amount of americium into a crystal. The emitted alpha particles produce light, causing the crystal to emit a green glow.

The researches linked the crystal to a photovoltaic cell, which converts the emitted light into electricity. The entire device was enclosed in a quartz cell to prevent radiation leakage.

Testing and Results

During testing, the researchers discovered that their device could hold a charge for an extended period--potentially lasting decades. However, they noted that while americium has a half-life of 7,380 years, the radiation would degrade the housing materials far sooner.

Further tests revealed the device to be nearly 8,000 times more efficient than earlier nuclear-powered battery systems. Despite this, the power output is quite low; approximately 40 billion such batteries would be needed to illuminate a 60--watt bulb.

Future Applications

The research team indicates that further improvements could pave the way for tiny power packs designed for small, remote devices, such as those used in deep space exploration.

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