High power density betavoltaic battery
To increase total power in a betavoltaic device, it is desirable to have greater radioisotope material and/or semiconductor surface area, rather than greater radioisotope material volume. An example of this invention is a high power density betavoltaic battery. In one example of this invention, tritium is used as a fuel source. In other examples, radioisotopes, such as Nickel-63, Phosphorus-33 or promethium, may be used. The semiconductor used in this invention may include, but is not limited to, Si, GaAs, GaP, GaN, diamond, and SiC. For example (for purposes of illustration/example, only), tritium will be referenced as an exemplary fuel source, and SiC will be referenced as an exemplary semiconductor material. Other variations and examples are also discussed and given.
1. A betavoltaic battery device, comprising:
a lid to battery case;
wherein said lid comprises a positive post, a negative post, and a case isolation strip;
wherein said case isolation strip is located between said positive post and said negative post;
a first layer;
wherein said lid is located on top of said first layer;
said first layer comprises a central isotope layer, a first isolation strip, a first metal contact strip, and a second metal contact strip;
said central isotope layer is encircled partially by said first isolation strip and said first metal contact strip;
said first isolation strip is encircled partially by said second metal contact strip;
said first isolation strip is located between said second metal contact strip and said first metal contact strip;
a second layer;
said first layer is located on top of said second layer;
said second layer comprises a central SiC betavoltaic layer, an ohmic contact strip, a second isolation strip, a third metal contact strip, and a fourth metal contact strip;
said central SiC betavoltaic layer is encircled by said ohmic contact strip;
said ohmic contact strip is encircled by said second isolation strip;
said second isolation strip is encircled partially by said third metal contact strip, and said fourth metal contact strip;
a third layer;
said second layer is located on top of said third layer;
said third layer comprises a third isolation strip, a fifth metal contact strip, and a sixth metal contact strip; and
said third isolation strip is encircled partially by said fifth metal contact strip and said sixth metal contact strip.
2. The betavoltaic battery device as recited in claim 1 , wherein said central isotope layer comprises one or more of following: radioisotope tritium, Nickel-63, Phosphorus-33, or Promethium.