Betavoltaics using scandium tritide and contact potential difference

Abstract

Tritium-powered betavoltaic micropower sources using contact potential difference (CPD) are demonstrated. Thermally stable scandium tritide thin films with a surface activity of 15mCi∕cm2 were used as the beta particle source. The electrical field created by the work function difference between the ScT film and a platinum or copper electrode was used to separate the beta-generated electrical charge carriers. Open circuit voltages of 0.5 and 0.16V and short circuit current densities of 2.7 and 5.3nA∕cm2 were achieved for gaseous and solid dielectric media-based CPD cells, respectively.