Abstract: A method of making an energy conversion device includes forming a plurality of pores within a substrate and forming a junction region within each of the plurality of pores. Each of the junction regions has a depletion region and each of the plurality of pores defines an opening size in the substrate and a spacing from adjacent pores so that the depletion regions of each of the pores is at least substantially in contact with the depletion region of the pores which are adjacent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-line tritium-in-water monitoring in which a sample of water is vaporized at a temperature sufficient to transform it to dry water vapor substantially free of liquid water droplets. The water vapor is transferred to a tritium detection device having a chamber heated to a temperature at which there is substantially no condensation of the water vapor, the detection device comprising volume detection device adapted to detect .beta.-decay of tritium atoms in the water vapor. The volume detection device may comprise ionization chamber detector, gas scintillation counting detector and gas electron multiplier detector. The method and apparatus are preferably used to detect leaks of tritiated water from the primary to secondary side of the heat transport systems associated with certain types of nuclear reactors, and when used on an in-line, continuous basis, provide a time response as low as 10 seconds with the detection limits depending on the type of volume detection equipment used.

Abstract: A monitor for measuring the activity of a surface contaminated with a radioactive material, such as tritium, is disclosed. The monitor comprises: (a) a collector spaced from the surface; (b) a potential generators for generating a potential difference between the surface and the collector sufficient to induce particle migration; and (c) an electrometer or other current measuring device for measuring the current generated by impingement of charged particles on the collector.

Abstract: A nuclear battery is provided by the incorporation through chemical bonding of radioactive tritium in a body of amorphous semiconductor material having a p-type conductivity region, an n-type conductivity region and a semiconductor junction therebetween, with means for electrically connecting the n-type and p-type regions to a load circuit. A preferred such nuclear battery comprises tritium chemically bonded within an amorphous silicon semiconductor including a p-i-n junction.

Abstract: A radioluminescent source is provided by a radioactive element entrapped in an amorphous semiconductor. A preferred light source comprises a beta-emitting radioactive element, such as tritium, occluded within a matrix of amorphous semiconductor material, such as amorphous silicon, with or without dopants. The matrix may serve as an intrinsic radioluminescent light source, or as an electron source to irradiate a separate phosphor.