Abstract: A radiation powered device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a semiconductor disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a radioactive source configured to generate a flow of electrons through the semiconductor between the first and second electrodes, wherein the semiconductor comprises diamond material, wherein the radioactive source is embedded within the diamond material, wherein the radioactive source comprises a beta-emitting radioisotope, and atoms of the radioisotope are either substitutionally or interstitially integrated into the diamond material, wherein the diamond material comprises a plurality of regions in the form of layers within a continuous crystal lattice of the diamond material, and wherein at least one layer of the diamond material comprises the radioactive source and at least one layer of the diamond material does not comprise the radioactive source.

Abstract: A universal chemical processor (UCP) including a reactor vessel having a central longitudinal axis and main chamber comprises a first inlet port for a main feedstock, a second inlet port for a fluidizing medium and a third inlet port for one or more reactants. The UCP also includes a reactive radioactive chemical processor (R2CP) that contains a radioactive element positioned extending along the longitudinal axis in the main chamber. In operation, a fluidized bed can be supported in the main chamber when a fluidizing medium and feedstock are supplied to the main chamber through the first and second inlet ports and the radioactive element of the R2CP emits ionizing radiation that is capable of ionizing feedstock and reactants, inducing chemical reactions, and sterilizing and decomposing any organic materials within a radiation zone.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a lithium transition metal oxide as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a carbon material as a negative electrode active material, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The lithium transition metal oxide contains W and Si, and W and Si adhere to the surface of the carbon material constituting the negative electrode active material. The amount of W adhering to the surface of the carbon material is 2 times or less in terms of a molar ratio to the amount of Si adhering to the surface of the carbon material.

Abstract: The present application relates to a negative electrode composite material and preparation thereof and a lithium ion battery. The negative electrode composite material comprises an active material, a metal oxide on the surface of the active material, wherein the ratio of the specific surface area of the negative electrode composite material to the specific surface area of the active material is 1-7. The present application improves the volume energy density and safety performance of a lithium ion battery by selecting a ratio of a specific surface area of the negative electrode composite material to the active material.

Abstract: A lattice energy converter (LEC) is disclosed that produces ionizing radiation and/or electricity based on the thermal energy in the lattice of a specially prepared working electrode comprised in whole or in part of hydrogen host materials that are occluded with hydrogen or the isotopes of hydrogen and wherein the hydrogen host materials may include vacancies, superabundant vacancies, and other lattice defects. When the hydrogen host material is occluded with hydrogen, the LEC was found to self-initiate the production of ionizing radiation and, when the hydrogen host materials are in fluidic contact with a gas or vapor containing hydrogen or isotopes of hydrogen, the LEC was found to self-sustain the production of ionizing radiation. When the LEC includes one or more additional electrodes or electrode structures, the ionizing radiation was found to be converted to electrical energy. Materials that are normally considered to be radioactive are not required.

Abstract: A radiolytic electrochemical system that comprises a cathode, an anode that comprises a semiconductor, an aqueous electrolyte solution disposed between the cathode and anode, and ionizing radiation, wherein the ionizing radiation splits water molecules via radiolysis and forms solvated free radicals that migrate to the anode or cathode, depending upon a radical's charge, and participate in redox reactions at the anode and cathode thereby producing electrical current capable of performing work when the anode and cathode are electrically connected.

Abstract: A radiolytic electrochemical system that comprises a cathode, an anode that comprises a semiconductor, an aqueous electrolyte solution disposed between the cathode and anode, and ionizing radiation, wherein the ionizing radiation splits water molecules and forms solvated free radicals that migrate to the anode or cathode, depending upon a radical's charge, and participate in redox reactions at the anode and cathode thereby producing electrical current capable of performing work when the anode and cathode are electrically connected.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery wherein the cathode layer comprises a cathode active material particle having a coating layer that is on at least a portion of a surface of the cathode active material particle, and a solid electrolyte particle which is in contact with the coating layer, wherein an average particle diameter of the cathode active material secondary particle is in a range of about 3 micrometers to about 10 micrometers, wherein the coating layer is amorphous and contains at least one element selected from metal elements not including nickel, and semi-metal elements, and wherein a mole ratio of the at least one element of the coating layer and all of the metal elements, not including lithium, or semi-metal elements in the cathode active material particle is in a range of about 0.1 mole percent to about 10 mole percent.

Abstract: To provide a cathode active material with which a lithium ion secondary battery having favorable cycle characteristics and having a high energy density even when discharged at a high voltage can be obtained; a cathode comprising the cathode active material; and a lithium ion secondary battery having the cathode. A cathode active material comprising a composite oxide (A) containing Li and at least one transition metal element selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co and Mn, and the following particles (B) and the following fluorinated carbon material (C) present on the surface of the composite oxide (A): particles (B): particles containing an oxide of at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Sn, Si, Al, Ce, Y, Zr, Co, W, V, Nb, Ta, La and Mg; and fluorinated carbon material (C): a fluorinated carbon material in the form of particles or fibers.

Abstract: A lithium-ion secondary battery of the present invention contains: a laminated electrode group formed of a rectangular positive electrode; a rectangular negative electrode; and a separator. In such a laminated electrode group, the positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector foil, and a positive electrode mixture layer containing a positive electrode active material, the negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector foil, and a negative electrode mixture layer containing a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material includes a silicon-based material, and a carbonaceous material. A mass ratio of the silicon-based material and the carbonaceous material is 20:80 to 80:20. The silicon-based material is a Si alloy or SiOx (0.5?x?1.5). The positive electrode and the negative electrode have a collection terminal protruding from a same side of the laminated electrode group.

Abstract: In an aspect, a negative active material, a negative electrode and a lithium battery including the negative active material, and a method of manufacturing the negative active material is provided. The negative active material includes a silicon-based active material substrate; a metal oxide nanoparticle disposed on a surface of the silicon-based active material substrate. An initial irreversible capacity of the lithium battery may be decreased and lifespan characteristics may be improved by using the negative active material.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a non-aqueous organic solvent; a lithium salt; and an additive including vinylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, and a nitrile-based compound represented by Formula 1: wherein n ranges from 1 to 12 and R1 and R2 are independently a halogen, a hydrogen, or an alkyl group. Further, the alkyl group can be CmH(2m+1), in which m ranges from 1 to 10. The electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery improves storage stability of the rechargeable lithium battery at a high temperature. And, a rechargeable lithium battery including the electrolyte has improved storage stability.

Abstract: A betavoltaic power source. The power source comprises a source of beta particles, one or more regions for collecting the beta particles and for generating electron hole pairs responsive thereto, and a secondary power source charged by a current developed by the electron hole pairs.

Abstract: A composite anode active material, an anode including the composite anode active material, a lithium battery including the anode, and a method of preparing the composite anode active material, the composite anode active material including a core including a ternary alloy, the ternary alloy being capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium; and a carbonaceous coating layer on the core.

Abstract: A composite cathode active material, a method of preparing the composite cathode active material, and a cathode and a lithium battery each including the composite cathode active material. The composite cathode active material includes a core including a lithium intercalatable oxide which enables intercalation and deintercalation of lithium; and a coating layer disposed on at least a portion of the core, wherein the conductive layer includes a lithium metal oxide which is an inactive lithium ion conductor, and wherein the lithium metal oxide contains a metal which has an atomic weight of 27 Daltons or more and is selected an element of Groups 3 to 14 of the Periodic Table of the Elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and storing the energy emitted by radioisotopes in the form of alpha and or beta particles is described. The present invention incorporates aspects of three different energy conversion and storage technologies, those being: Nuclear alpha and or beta particle capture for direct energy conversion and storage, rechargeable electrochemical storage cells and capacitive electrical energy storage.

Abstract: A negative active material, a method of preparing the negative active material and a lithium ion battery comprising the negative active material are provided. The negative active material may comprise: a core (1) composed of a carbon material; and a plurality of composite materials (2) attached to a surface of the core (1), each of which may comprise a first material (21) and a second material (22) coated on the first material (21), in which the first material (21) may be at least one selected from the elements that may form an alloy with lithium, and the second material (22) may be at least one selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides, transition metal nitrides and transition metal sulfides.

Abstract: A technology is provided that is capable of improving deterioration of a fuel cell due to non-stationary operation (startup/shutdown, fuel depletion). An anode-side catalyst composition comprising a catalyst having catalyst particles carried on electrically conductive material and an ion exchange resin, characterized in that the catalyst particle are formed of an alloy, of which oxygen reduction capability and water electrolysis are both lower than those of platinum, and which has hydrogen oxidation capability.

Abstract: A battery is composed of a positive electrode in which a positive electrode active material layer including a positive electrode active material is formed on a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode in which a negative electrode active material layer including a negative electrode active material is formed on a negative electrode collector, a separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte impregnated in the separator. The battery further includes at least one of a heteropoly acid and a heteropoly acid compound as an additive at least in one of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the separator, and the electrolyte.

Abstract: A power pack comprising a solar cell panel, a carbon crystal plate, and a radium plate, wherein said solar cell panel, said carbon crystal plate, and said radium plate are positioned in an encasement. A system for generating power utilizing the power pack is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radioisotope power sources that includes radioisotope nanoparticles and scintillator materials. An embodiment of the radioisotope power source includes radioisotope nanoparticles suspended within a polycrystalline scintillator; additional polycrystalline scintillator at least partially surrounding the polycrystalline scintillator with the radioisotope nanoparticles; and a photovoltaic device in light communication with the surrounding polycrystalline scintillator. A system that employs the radioisotope power source and a method of generating an electrical current are also disclosed. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative active material for a lithium ion battery and a lithium ion battery including the negative active material. The negative active material for a lithium ion battery includes a hexagonal lithium vanadium composite oxide including lithium, vanadium, and magnesium. The lithium and the vanadium are included in a mole ratio within a range of 1.15?Li/V?1.35, and the magnesium and the vanadium are included in a mole ratio within a range of 0.01?Mg/V?0.06. The present invention provides a negative active material for a lithium ion battery having a stable crystal structure, excellent high rate of charge and discharge, and good charge and discharge cycle characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for a self-charging battery cell are provided in which beta emissions from a Strontium-90 source are obtained by a sensor device and converted into electric energy. In embodiments, a scintillation device is used to intake emissions from a Strontium-90 source, and consequently emit a light or plurality of light flashes. A sensor device, e.g., a photodiode, is utilized to convert the light or plurality of light flashes into electric voltage, current and/or energy.

Abstract: An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material.

Abstract: An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material.

Abstract: A system is described for storing and generating hydrogen and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H2/O2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from 63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Abstract: A system for storing and generating hydrogen generally and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H2/O2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses the beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from 63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Abstract: An alpha voltaic battery includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material comprising at least one p/n junction, at least one absorption and conversion layer on the at least one layer of semiconductor layer, and at least one alpha particle emitter. The absorption and conversion layer prevents at least a portion of alpha particles from the alpha particle emitter from damaging the p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material. The absorption and conversion layer also converts at least a portion of energy from the alpha particles into electron-hole pairs for collection by the one p/n junction in the layer of semiconductor material.

Abstract: Beta and alpha-ray particles emitted by radio-isotopic by-products of nuclear fission, such as nickel 63, are used as a power source at the cathode of a microwave generating magnetron. Such particles include high speed, high energy electrons having a large EMF associated therewith. In the magnetron, a radial electrical vector, between the cathode and anode, interacts with an axial magnetic vector to produce a cloud of electrons that rotates about the magnetron axis. The speed, geometry and density of the rotating cloud may be modulated by an external RF input or grids within the interaction space of the magnetron. At the periphery of the interaction space is a polar array of anode cavities into which the rotating field induces an LC equivalent parameter that includes high energy microwaves that may be used as an input for the generation of AC or DC power.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthesis of radioactive material, such as a tritiated polymer, and an apparatus for generating electrical current from the nuclear decay process of a radioactive material. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an energy cell (e.g., a battery) for generating electrical current derived from particle emissions occurring within a radioactive material such as a tritiated polymer) on pore walls of a porous semiconductor. The radioactive material may be introduced into the energy cell by a wetting process.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device provided on a thin-film battery. A system includes the RFID device in communication with a remote radio frequency (RF) transmitter and/or receiver. In some embodiments, the RFID device of the system includes a flexible substrate, a thin-film battery deposited on the flexible substrate, an electronic circuit placed on the battery and coupled to the battery to provide power, and a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna connected to the electronic circuit. In some embodiments, the battery of the RFID device is a rechargeable battery, and the battery is recharged when energy is transmitted from the remote device. Another aspect of the invention provides a system for making an RFID device.

Abstract: A cathode including an active material composite and a lithium battery using the same. The active material composite of the cathode includes a mixed oxide complex and a lithium-containing compound, the lithium-containing compound having a metal based compound coated on the surface of the lithium-containing compound.

Abstract: A decomposition cell having a first metal plate with a first layer of dielectric and a second metal plate with a second layer of dielectric wherein each layer of dielectric is sprayed onto the metal plates in molten form using a thermal plasma spray process. The plates are placed in parallel spaced relation forming a discharge area therebetween. One of the metal plates is then attached to a high voltage high frequency source that when actuated causes a discharge within the discharge area.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to synthesis of radioactive material, such as a tritiated polymer, and an apparatus for generating electrical current from the nuclear decay process of a radioactive material. In one embodiment, the invention relates to an energy cell (e.g., a battery) for generating electrical current derived from particle emissions occurring within a radioactive material such as a tritiated polymer) on pore walls of a porous semiconductor. The radioactive material may be introduced into the energy cell by a wetting process.

Abstract: A nuclear electric generator which utilizes particles produced during the spontaneous disintegration of selected radioisotopes as a means of generating electricity and production of coolant and insulating material. The apparatus shall consist of an alpha emitting radioisotope diffused within or sandwiched between a first lead plate. The alpha particles capture two electrons and exit as helium atoms, resulting in a high positive charge. A beta emitting radioisotope shall be diffused within or sandwiched between a second lead plate, thus acquiring a high negative charge as a result of being “pumped” full of electrons. The entire apparatus will be immersed into a bath of liquid helium which will act as an insulator and remove heat generated by radioactive emissions. The positive and negatively charged plates shall be connected, externally, to a resistive load chosen for the voltage level desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical power from the decay process of a radioactive material is disclosed, wherein a volume of radioactive material and a junction region are enclosed in a cell. The junction region is formed by appropriate construction of a number of p-type and n-type dopant sites. At least a portion of one of the junction regions is disposed within a porous region having an aspect ratio of greater than about 20:1, and disposed at an angle of greater than about 55° measured relative to the surface area in which it is formed. The dimensions and shapes of the macroporous regions and the improved junction region surface area available for collecting charged particles emitted during a radioactive decay series permit an improved current to be derived from the apparatus than would otherwise be expected given its external dimensions.

Abstract: This invention provides a secondary battery comprised of a cathode, an anode and an ion conductor wherein the ion conductor contains radioactive substance. By projecting radioactive ray upon ions and deposit in the ion conductor, valency electrons and bonding electrons in deposit are excited so as to raise chemical reaction activity of ions and deposit thereby suppressing growth and excessive expansion of crystal of the deposit. Consequently, reduction in storage capacity and electromotive force due to repeated discharge/recharge is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical power from the decay process of a radioactive material is disclosed, wherein a volume of radioactive material and a junction region are enclosed in a cell. The junction region is formed by appropriate construction of a number of p-type and n-type dopant sites. At least a portion of one of the junction regions is disposed within a porous region having an aspect ratio of greater than about 20:1, and disposed at an angle of greater than about 55° measured relative to the surface area in which it is formed. The dimensions and shapes of the macroporous regions and the improved junction region surface area available for collecting charged particles emitted during a radioactive decay series permit an improved current to be derived from the apparatus than would otherwise be expected given its external dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical power from the decay process of a radioactive material is disclosed, wherein a volume of radioactive material and a junction region are enclosed in a cell. The junction region is formed by appropriate construction of a number of p-type and n-type dopant sites. At least a portion of one of the junction regions is disposed within a porous region having an aspect ratio of greater than about 20:1, and disposed at an angle of greater than about 55° measured relative to the surface area in which it is formed. The dimensions and shapes of the macroporous regions and the improved junction region surface area available for collecting charged particles emitted during a radioactive decay series permit an improved current to be derived from the apparatus than would otherwise be expected given its external dimensions.

Abstract: A power source converts &agr;-particle energy into electricity by coulomb collision in doped diamond films. Alpha particle decay from curium-244 creates electron-hole pairs by freeing electrons and holes inside the crystal lattice in N- and P-doped diamond films. Ohmic contacts provide electrical connection to an electronic device. Due to the built-in electric field at the rectifying junction across the N- and P-doped diamond films, the free electrons are constrained to traveling in generally one direction. This one direction then supplies electrons in a manner similar to that of a battery. The radioactive curium layer may be disposed on diamond films for even distribution of &agr;-particle radiation. The resulting power source may be mounted on a diamond substrate that serves to insulate structures below the diamond substrate from &agr;-particle emission. Additional insulation or isolation may be provided in order to prevent damage from &agr;-particle collision.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, an air supply system including a blower for driving the air to the fuel cell stack and an air humidifier for humidifying the air supplied to the fuel cell stack, a hydrogen supply system including a hydrogen storage and a pressure regulating device, and a hydrogen recirculator for receiving excessive hydrogen from the fuel cell stack and forcing the hydrogen back into the fuel cell stack in order to induce a hydrogen flow inside the fuel cell stack. A control circuit electrically controls the flow and pressure regulating device for regulating the hydrogen flow to the fuel cell stack and electrically controls the blower to regulate the air flows to the fuel cell stack and the air humidifier.

Abstract: This invention provides new compositions, methods for making these compositions, and methods of using the compositions in a variety of energy-related applications. These compositions are useful as electrode materials in devices such as batteries, capacitors, fuel cells and similar devices as also in the direct production of hydrogen and oxygen gas. The new compositions of the present invention comprise: (A) one or more of the transition metal elements; optionally (B) aluminum; optionally (C) one or more of the group 1A alkali metal elements; (D) one or more elements and/or compounds having high mobility values for electrons; and (E) a source of ionizing radiation. Thus, components A, D and E are required ingredients of the present invention, and components B and C are both optional. Components B and C may be used independently alone, together, or not at all.

Abstract: A semiconducter battery that utilizes radioactive decay processes to produce electrical power by direct electrical current generation from these decay products. These batteries have extremely long half-lives. Each decay can produce on the order of 1,500,000 free electrons and 1,500,000 ions per each radioactive decay, so there is a tremendous multiplication factor for current generation. Production of these batteries by semiconductor processes greatly reduces battery cost compared to existing batteries that utilize radioactive decays. The battery comprises a n-type semiconducter layer, a radioactive semiconducter layer sandwiched between two adjacent layers of semiconducter material not containing radioactive material, and a p-type semiconducter layer.

Abstract: The present invention is a power cell for directly converting ionizing radiation into electrical energy. The invented isotopic electric converter provides an electrical power source that includes an electronegative material layered in a semiconductor, to form a first region that has a high density of conduction electrons, and an electropositive material also layered in the semiconductor material to form a second region with a high density of holes. Said N-layers region and P-layers region are separated by a neutral zone of semiconductor material doped with a radioactive isotope, such as, but not limited to, tritium. No junction is formed between the N and P layers regions. Rather, the potential gradient across the neutral zone is provided by the difference between the work functions of the electronegative and electropositive electrodes. Electrical contacts are affixed to the respective regions of the first and second type conductivity which become the anode and cathode of the cell, respectively.

Abstract: A nuclear battery for supplying low level electrical energy for a relatively long period of time. The battery includes a low-energy beta emitter and phosphor dispersed sufficient proximate the beta emitter to capture the low energy betas before decay. A photovoltaic receptor is configured to have a peaked response near the wavelength of the photons emitted by the phosphor. In a preferred embodiment, the photovoltaic, phosphor and beta source are formed into flexible layers which are rolled into a cylinder in order to maximize the capture of photons emitted by the beta-excited phosphor.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-powered device having at least one substrate, at least one radioactive power source formed over the substrate, and integrated circuits formed over the substrate. The radioactive power source includes a first active layer of a first conductivity type, a second active layer of a second conductivity type. The first and second active layers form a depletion layer. A tritium containing layer is provided which supplies beta particles that penetrates the depletion layer generating electron-hole pairs. The electron-hole pairs are swept by the electric field in the depletion layer producing an electric current.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting personnel and the environment from harmful emissions of radiation from a source thereof includes a plurality of shielding parts so located as to be in the path of the radioactive emissions and to absorb them so that an electrical potential difference between the shielding parts is established, due to different absorptions of radiation by them, a variable electrical load for consuming electrical power at a location remote from the radioactive source, and electrical conductors communicating the variable electrical load with such shielding parts. Although the invention is primarily intended for protecting personnel and the environment against emissions from radiation sources, such as radioactive wastes, it is also useful for shielding other sources of harmful radiated emissions. Also within the invention are processes for protecting personnel and the environment against radiation hazards.

Abstract: The apparatus is a combined Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) and a thermionic energy converter which are mated by the use of a common heat transfer device which can be a heat pipe, pumped fluid or a simple heat conduction path. By adjusting the heat output surface area of the thermionic converter and the heat input surface area of the AMTEC, the heat transfer device accomplishes not only the transfer of heat from the output of the thermionic converter to the input of the AMTEC, but also the transformation of the heat density to match the requirements of the AMTEC input. The electrical current through the combined devices is also matched by adjusting the heated surface area of the AMTEC.

Abstract: A gamma radiation intensity meter measures dose rate of a radiation field. The gamma radiation intensity meter includes a tritium battery emitting beta rays generating a current which is essentially constant. Dose rate is correlated to an amount of movement of an electroscope element charged by the tritium battery. Ionizing radiation decreases the voltage at the element and causes movement. A bleed resistor is coupled between the electroscope support element or electrode and the ionization chamber wall electrode.

Abstract: A power cell which converts ionizing radiation into electrical energy. The power cell includes a multi-layer composite source element which includes a charged particle emitter layer, first and second source dielectric layers, a source collector layer and a source retarding layer. The source element is disposed within a multi-layer composite shield element having an absorber layer, first and second shield dielectric layers, a shield collector layer, and a shield retarding layer. An anode is connected to the emitter layer and a cathode to the collector layer. The emitter layer produces charged particles which interact with the dielectric layers to eject electrons which are collected by the collector layer to generate a potential between the anode and the cathode.