InGaP alpha voltaic batteries: Synthesis, modeling, and radiation tolerance

Abstract

The viability of InGaP diodes coupled with α-particle sources as radioisotope power supplies is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The electrical power output of epitaxially grown InGaP p-type∕n-type (p∕n) junction diodes coupled with Am241 and Po210 α-particle sources was measured. A theoretical model was developed that determines the α-particle energy deposition profile within an InGaP diode when irradiated by an omnidirectional α-particle source. The results of the model illustrate the dramatic influence the radiation source∕diode configuration has on the α-particle energy deposition profile within a device. Progress has been shown towards increasing the radiation tolerance of the InGaP devices, which included utilizing an intrinsic region and reducing the junction thickness. Introduction of the intrinsic region within a conventional n∕p diode to form a n-type∕intrinsic∕p-type diode enabled the device to withstand a ten times greater fluence of 4.2MeV α particles before decreasing to 50% of its original power output under simulated air mass zero illumination, when compared to an abrupt junction device with the same active region thickness.