Someone mentioned they were pining for a nuclear battery so I thought I'd toss this in FWIW.
http://www.stormingmedia.us/05/0529/A052954.html
Model of High-Energy-Density Battery Based on SiC Schottky Diodes
Authors: Yves Ngu; Marc Litz; Bruce Geil; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ADELPHI MD SENSORS AND ELECTRON DEVICES DIRECTORATE
Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) diodes are being investigated as direct energy converters (DECs) for use in small, long-lived nuclear power sources for unattended sensors. Voltage and current measurements on Schottky diodes fabricated from both Si and SiC result in typical efficiencies of 5 to 15%. A drift-diffusion model has been developed to predict the output and to help us better understand the radiation-induced current that results. This report describes the initial conditions, the drift-diffusion algorithm, and the material parameters used in the model. The results of the model compare well to experimental data.
If anyone springs for the twenty bucks to get the full report, please remember your pals at ES.
http://www.stormingmedia.us/05/0529/A052954.html
Model of High-Energy-Density Battery Based on SiC Schottky Diodes
Authors: Yves Ngu; Marc Litz; Bruce Geil; ARMY RESEARCH LAB ADELPHI MD SENSORS AND ELECTRON DEVICES DIRECTORATE
Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) diodes are being investigated as direct energy converters (DECs) for use in small, long-lived nuclear power sources for unattended sensors. Voltage and current measurements on Schottky diodes fabricated from both Si and SiC result in typical efficiencies of 5 to 15%. A drift-diffusion model has been developed to predict the output and to help us better understand the radiation-induced current that results. This report describes the initial conditions, the drift-diffusion algorithm, and the material parameters used in the model. The results of the model compare well to experimental data.
If anyone springs for the twenty bucks to get the full report, please remember your pals at ES.