University Research Program in Robotics - "Technologies for Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems in directed Stockpile Work (DSW) Radiation and Campaigns", Final Technical Annual Report, Project Period 9/1/06 - 8/31/07

Abstract

The objective for the FY06/07 fiscal year is the development of nano-scale radioisotope powered battery models and supporting radiation testing of components. Task & AccomplishmentsThis task focuses on the concepts of conversion technologies for radioisotope battery designs and the further investigation of radiation resilience levels of candidate materials identified during FY06 and FY07 for fluorescence or 'direct' generation of free current electrons in transducers. Physical testing of key energy conversion parameters were initiated and carried out in order to augment MCNP and the EGS transport code programs and provide the realistic insights to improvements in design of nano-scale radioisotope battery design. In FY07 such advances in design are being computationally pretested via MCNP and EGS and with semi-analytical formulations (when appropriate).The UF development and design team continues the development of a nano-scale radioisotope battery designs and design schemes that have the potential to provide sufficient power for MEMS devices under development in cutting edge laboratories in the US. Studies of fundamental mechanisms and simulation studies of stacked tandem cells optimized for indirect conversion have led to the design concept of using super-1 kilo-eV induced fluorescence of dielectric layers with transparent photovoltaic conversion devices. For all of our materials, fluorescence and phosphorescence overlap in their function. While many standard phosphors typically provide higher conversion ratios, radiation damage from most radioisotopes quickly degrade this initial advantage for power conversion.