Abstract: A panel that uses the gamma radiation emitted by fission to produce electrical power. The panel includes layers of a metal with a relatively high atomic number (Z), that form an emitter, a high temperature electrical resistor, and an electrical conductor with a relatively low Z value, that forms a collector. The gamma radiation emitted during the fission process produces Compton and photoelectrical electrons in the layer of the Emitter located between the reactor Baffle and the fuel assemblies. The electrons that have sufficient energy to penetrate the resistor layer between the emitter layer and the collector layer will be stopped in the collector. This creates a substantial voltage difference between the emitter and the collector. This voltage difference may be used to produce significant electric power both during reactor operations and with the reactor shutdown to meaningfully augment the electricity produced by the turbine generators.

Abstract: A neutron generator includes a fuel source configured to provide a neutron-producing fuel. The neutron generator includes a plasma confinement device coupled to the fuel source and configured to generate a z-pinch of the neutron-producing fuel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a product includes an array of three dimensional structures, a cavity region between each of the three dimensional structures, and a first material in contact with at least one surface of each of the three dimensional structures. In addition, each of the three dimensional structures includes a semiconductor material, where at least one dimension of each of the three dimensional structures is in a range of about 0.5 microns to about 10 microns. Moreover, the first material is configured to provide high energy particle and/or ray emissions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a preform for semiconductor encapsulation, mainly containing a metal or alloy, the metal or alloy further containing Sn or Sn alloy, and, Cu or Cu alloy, and still further containing at least 2% by weight of an intermetallic compound of Cu and Sn.

Abstract: A betavoltaic power source. The power source comprises a source of beta particles and a plurality of regions each for collecting the beta particles and for generating electron hole pairs responsive to the beta particle flux. A first set of the plurality of regions is disposed proximate a first surface of the source and a second set of the plurality of regions is disposed proximate a second surface. The first and second surface in opposing relation. A secondary power source is charged by a current developed by the electron hole pairs.

Abstract: A method and system for the thermoelectric conversion of nuclear reactor generated heat including upon a nuclear reactor system shutdown event, thermoelectrically converting nuclear reactor generated heat to electrical energy and supplying the electrical energy to a mechanical pump of the nuclear reactor system.

Abstract: A device for producing electricity. In one embodiment the device comprises a germanium substrate doped a first dopant type and a plurality of stacked material layers above the substrate. These stacked material layers further comprise an InGaP base layer doped the first dopant type, an InGaP emitter layer doped the second dopant type, a window layer having a lattice structure matched to the lattice structure of the emitter layer and doped the second dopant type and a beta particle source for generating beta particles.

Abstract: A betavoltaic power source. The betavoltaic power source comprises a source of beta particles, a substrate with shaped features defined therein and a InGaP betavoltaic junction disposed between the source of beta particles and the substrate, and also having shaped features therein responsive to the shaped features in the substrate, the InGaP betavoltaic junction device for collecting the beta particles and for generating electron hole pairs responsive thereto.

Abstract: A device for generating a second temperature variation ?T2 from a first use temperature variation ?T1, includes an elastocaloric material layer, having an internal temperature which is able to vary by ?T2 in response to a given mechanical stress variation ?? applied to the elastocaloric material layer. The variation ?? being induced by the first use temperature variation ?T1 There is a suspended element in mechanical contact with the elastocaloric material layer so as to apply to this layer a mechanical stress that varies in response to the use temperature variation ?T1. The suspended element is arranged so as to make the mechanical stress applied to the elastocaloric material layer vary by ?? in response to the temperature variation ?T1, to generate the second temperature variation ?T2.

Abstract: A power converter comprises a nuclear radiation emitter having a first side and a second side, wherein the nuclear radiation emitter comprises a radiation-emitting radioisotope, a plurality of semiconductor substrates disposed over the first side of the nuclear radiation emitter, wherein each of the plurality of semiconductor substrates comprises a junction for converting nuclear radiation particles to electrical energy, and at least one high-density layer, wherein the high density layer has a density that is higher than a density of the semiconductor substrates, and wherein the high-density layer is disposed between two of the plurality of semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A device and method for producing electricity by harnessing sunlight to produce an amplified voltage signal, the device including: (a) a sealed chamber, defined by a transparent housing; (b) an excitable medium, disposed within the chamber, in which, when the medium is exposed to solar light having wavelengths in a range of 0.

Abstract: A solid-state high energy-density micro radioisotope power source device including a dielectric and radiation shielding body having an internal cavity, a first electrode disposed a first end of the cavity, and a second electrode disposed at an opposing second end of the cavity and spaced apart from the first electrode such that a micro chamber is provided therebetween.

Abstract: A radioisotope-powered energy source comprising: a flexible center substrate coated with the radioisotope, wherein the substrate comprises upper and lower surfaces; and two substantially identical sequences of layers bonded to each other and to the upper and lower surfaces via electrically insulating mesh barriers, wherein each sequence comprises the following layers bonded together in a y-direction in the following order: a first low-density alpha particle impact layer, a first high-density beta particle impact layer, a second low-density alpha particle impact layer, a second radioisotope-coated substrate, a third low-density alpha particle impact layer, a second high-density beta particle impact layer, and a photovoltaic layer.

Abstract: Particles emitted by radio-isotopic by-products of nuclear fission are used as a power source at the cathode of a magnetron system. Particles include high energy electrons having a large associated EMF. In the system a radial electrical vector E, between the cathode and anode, interacts with an axial magnetic vector B vector to produce an E×B force that rotates the particles about the system axis. These emissions are within a set range of velocities. The angular velocity and geometry of a rotating field, known as a space charge wheel (SCW), may be modulated by an external RF inputs to cavities of an anode block and the use of concentric biasing grids between the cathode and anode block. The SCW induces LC values into cavities of the anode, exciting them and producing electrons resonance which may be used to generate power.

Abstract: A betavoltaic power source for transportation devices and applications is disclosed, wherein the device having a stacked configuration of isotope layers and energy conversion layers. The isotope layers have a half-life of between about 0.5 years and about 5 years and generate radiation with energy in the range from about 15 keV to about 200 keV. The betavoltaic power source is configured to provide sufficient power to operate the transportation device over its useful lifetime.

Abstract: A betavoltaic power source for mobile devices and mobile applications includes a stacked configuration of isotope layers and energy conversion layers. The isotope layers have a half-life of between about 0.5 years and about 5 years and generate radiation with energy in the range from about 15 keV to about 200 keV. The betavoltaic power source is configured to provide sufficient power to operate the mobile device over its useful lifetime.

Abstract: A multilayer device for producing electricity. The device comprising a betavoltaic source layer for generating beta particles, and at least three semiconductor layers each having a bandgap substantially similar to a band gap of the other layers, the at least three layers comprising a doped top layer, an undoped intermediate layer and a doped bottom layer, wherein the top and the bottom layers are doped with opposite-type dopants, and wherein the top layer is closer to the betavoltaic source layer than the bottom layer.

Abstract: A generator device for converting thermal energy to electric energy. A magnetic circuit includes at least a portion made of a magnetic material. A temperature-varying device varied the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below a phase transition temperature of the magnetic material to thereby vary the reluctance of the magnetic circuit. A coil is arranged around the magnetic circuit, in which electric energy is induced in response to a varying magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. A magnetic flux generator creates magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. The temperature-varying device alternately passes hot and cold fluid by, or through holes in, the portion made of the magnetic material of the magnetic circuit in a single direction to thereby vary the temperature in the portion made of the magnetic material alternately above and below the phase transition temperature of the magnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating energy, which includes: an operating fluid supplied for generating ionization and nuclear fusion reactions; an output pump designed such that the operating fluid is pressurized to a predetermined pressure; an operating fluid supply unit to supply and circulate the operating fluid through the output pump; a dielectric body provided with an inlet and an outlet, to conduct the operating fluid from the operating fluid supply unit, and a plurality of channels with different diameters to connect the inlet and outlet; at least one metallic insert provided with at least one through-hole passing the operating fluid by being inserted into the channels of the dielectric body to ionize the operating fluid; a dielectric insert provided with at least one through-hole passing the operating fluid by being inserted into the channels of the dielectric body to provide an environment promoting nuclear fusion reactions; and at least one pair of metal members to control th

Abstract: One form of the invention is directed to an apparatus that comprises step-down circuitry to better match impedance between an input and an output that includes a number of stages each electrically coupled to another and each including a charge storage device. The circuitry further includes a number of switching devices operable in a first electrical connectivity state to connect the charge storage device of each of the stages in series to receive electrical charge from the input and in a second electrical connectivity state opposite the first state to connect the charge storage device of each of the stages in parallel to discharge electricity through the output. This circuitry can be used in connection with a radioisotopic conversion cell.

Abstract: A method and system for producing electricity, and more particularly to a method of producing electricity by producing steam by directing Gamma rays generated by directing X-rays at a mass of Hafnium 178 onto a mass of water. The steam thereafter is channeled to a steam turbine generator to produce electricity.

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: The present invention embodies a solid state thermionic energy converter and is directed to a method and apparatus for conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy, and electrical energy to refrigeration. The present invention maintains a thermal separation between an emitter and a collector through a fractional surface contact of decreasing cross-sectional area towards the point of contact. The fractional surface contacts may be associated with the emitter, a barrier, or the collector. Maintaining a thermal separation between the emitter and the collector provides for ballistic electron transport through the barrier and reduces the transport of electrons through thermal conductivity. Hence, the efficiency is increased through the collection of ballistic electrons and the reduction of thermal conductivity electrons which cannot be collected. The inventive principle works for hole conductivity, as well as for electrons.

Abstract: A gravitational wave generating device comprising an energizing means which act upon energizable elements such as molecules, atoms, nuclei or nuclear particles in order to create nuclear reactions or collisions, the products of which can move in a single preferred direction with an attendant impulse (jerk or harmonic oscillation) of an ensemble of target nuclei or other energizable elements over a very brief time period. The target nuclei or energizable elements acting in concert generate a gravitational wave. A preferred embodiment involves the use of a pulsed particle beam moving at the local gravitational wave speed in a target mass, which is comprised of target nuclei, to trigger a nuclear reaction and build up a coherent gravitational wave as the particles of the beam move through the target mass and impact target nuclei over very short time spans.

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 gravitational wave generating device comprising an energizing means such as a particle or electromagnetic beam, which act upon energizable elements such as molecules, atoms, electrons, nuclei or nuclear particles in order to create nuclear reactions or collisions, the products of which can move in a single preferred direction with an attendant impulse (jerk or harmonic oscillation) of an ensemble of target nuclei or other energizable elements over a very brief time period. The target nuclei or energizable elements such as electrons or other submicroscopic particles in a superconductor acting in concert generate a gravitational wave. An information-processing device connected to a computer, controls the particle beam's high-frequency, (approximately GHz to THz or higher) pulse rate and the number of particles in each bunch comprising the pulse in order to produce modulated gravitational waves that can carry information. A gravitational wave generation device that exhibits directivity.

Abstract: A method to safely, efficiently, compactly, and economically convert quantum energies of photons and particles of unstable, excited, and disassociating radioactive elements directly into usable amounts of electric power without going through costly, bulky, and expensive heat extraction, or through multiple transducing steps, by exciting radioactively-transformed circuit components with periodic and non-periodic electromagnetic waves of various frequencies and bandwidths, and collecting the resulting enhanced and amplified currents and voltages for human use.

Abstract: A comb-finger microstructure is disclosed for use in optical switching arrays, beam steering, optical displays, disk drive head actuators and the like. The microstructure is capable of producing linear or nonlinear actuation forces, perpendicular to the surface of a chip in which the microactuator is formed, as a function of applied voltages. The microstructure further provides the ability to detect the position of a movable structure with respect to a stationary or anchored structure.

Abstract: An activator has a base on which is mounted an elastically deformable micromechanical element that has a section that is free to be displaced toward the base. An absorber of radioactively emitted particles is formed on the base or the displaceable section of the deformable element and a source is formed on the other of the displaceable section or the base facing the absorber across a small gap. The radioactive source emits charged particles such as electrons, resulting in a buildup of charge on the absorber, drawing the absorber and source together and storing mechanical energy as the deformable element is bent. When the force between the absorber and the source is sufficient to bring the absorber into effective electrical contact with the source, discharge of the charge between the source and absorber allows the deformable element to spring back, releasing the mechanical energy stored in the element.

Abstract: A beta cell for converting beta-particle energies into electrical energy having a semiconductor junction that incorporates an icosahedral boride compound selected from B12As2, B12P2, elemental boron having an &agr;-rhombohedral structure, elemental boron having a &bgr;-rhombohedral structure, and boron carbides of the chemical formula B12-xC3-x, where 0.15<x<1.7, a beta radiation source, and means for transmitting electrical energy to an outside load. The icosahedral boride compound self-heals, resisting degradation from radiation damage.

Abstract: The use of newly discovered chemical reaction products, created when reactants combine to form products on the surface of a catalyst, to generate electricity, beams of radiation or mechanical motion. The invention also provides methods to convert the products into electricity or motion. The electric generator consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate consisting of a semiconductor diode, and a semiconductor diode on the surface of the substrate near the catalyst. The device to generate mechanical motion consists of a catalyst nanocluster, nanolayer or quantum well placed on a substrate, and a hydraulic fluid in contact with the non-reaction side of the substrate, with the surfaces of both the catalyst and substrate mechanically formed to enhance the unidirectional forces on the fluid. Both devices use a fuel-oxidizer mixture brought in contact with the catalyst.

Abstract: A gravitational wave generating device comprising an energizing means which act upon energizable elements such as molecules, atoms, nuclei or nuclear particles in order to create nuclear reactions or collisions, the products of which can move in a single preferred direction with an attendant impulse (jerk or harmonic oscillation) of an ensemble of target nuclei or other energizable elements over a very brief time period. The target nuclei or energizable elements acting in concert generate a gravitational wave. A preferred embodiment involves the use of a pulsed particle beam moving at the local gravitational wave speed in a target mass, which is comprised of target nuclei, to trigger a nuclear reaction and build up a coherent gravitational wave as the particles of the beam move through the target mass and impact target nuclei over very short time spans.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing direct current generated by neutron activation of a plurality of interconnected .beta.-emitter (nuclear decay electron) cells, which are placed in a specific position in the out-of-core region of a light water nuclear reactor. The method entails a synergistic combination of neutron-absorbing isotopes, in specific relationship to each other, the amount of each absorber and their respective locations in the neutron flux field being chosen to render the total current-time characteristic substantially constant over a significant number of reactor full-power-years. The method enhances the current output and lifetime of the current generator by greatly deferring burn-up of the neutron absorbers. If configured as a DC voltage source for powering radiation-hardened, high-temperature integrated circuitry contained in the reactor pressure vessel, voltage regulation circuitry is not necessary.

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 radiation gradient is utilized to transform harmful radiant energy into safer, more useful forms, thus collecting, controlling and consuming the energies of radiant emissions and protecting the environment and living organisms from them. More specifically, there is disclosed a new process for shielding emitters of harmful radiation by establishing an electrical circuit, which process includes shielding the source of radiation while collecting the energy of relatively more radiation on an electrically conductive material and collecting the energy of relatively less radiation on other electrically conductive material, which may include a ground or external sink, thus establishing a difference in electrical potential, and transferring this potential difference, along with any potential difference from auxiliary devices, outside the shielded area, to resistors and/or variable other loads, which consume the voltage as it is created.

Abstract: A piezonuclear battery generates output power arising from the piezoelectric voltage produced from radioactive decay particles interacting with a piezoelectric medium. Radioactive particle energy may directly create an acoustic wave in the piezoelectric medium or a moderator may be used to generate collision particles for interacting with the medium. In one embodiment a radioactive material (.sup.252 Cf) with an output of about 1 microwatt produced a 12 nanowatt output (1.2% conversion efficiency) from a piezoelectric copolymer of vinylidene fluoride/trifluorethylene.

Abstract: A thermionic energy conversion system assembly is described which comprises a fissionable nuclear fuel which surrounds a cylindrical arrangement of thermionic emitter electrodes which surround corresponding collector electrodes, which in turn surround a cylindrical container of a heat sink material, such as lithium hydride, which can absorb large amounts of waste heat energy through a phase change. The heat sink material may also act as a nuclear moderator to reduce the amount of required nuclear fuel. A heat pipe is enclosed within the container of heat sink material to remove waste heat stored in the material. A thermionic energy conversion module is described which comprises 100 stacked-in-series thermionic converter assemblies. A complete space-based thermionic nuclear reactor is described which comprises an array of 91 thermionic converter modules wherein the heat pipes connect to a lithium hydride radiation shield which acts as a further heat sink.

Abstract: The fluid from a breeder nuclear reactor, which may be the sodium cooling fluid or the helium reactor-cover-gas, or the helium coolant of a gas-cooled reactor passes over the portion of the enclosure of a gaseous discharge device which is permeable to hydrogen and its isotopes. The tritium diffused into the discharge device is radioactive producing beta rays which ionize the gas (argon) in the discharge device. The tritium is monitored by measuring the ionization current produced when the sodium phase and the gas phase of the hydrogen isotopes within the enclosure are in equilibrium.