Title

A Nuclear Photon Energy Conversion Study

Creator

Watts, H. V.

Nudelman, S.

Date

1963

Identifier

AD0295003

AD0295003

Abstract

The temperature dependence and phosphor thickness on the luminescence output was studies for several phosphors which appear promising for use in a nuclear-photon energy conversion system. in this system, beta particles from a radioisotope source are absorbed by the phosphor which emits a multiplicity of low energy photos. These photons are then converted to electrical energy by a photovoltaic device. The most promising phosphor to date, a ZnCdS:Cu, had about a 15% decrease in luminescence intensity as the temperature was increased from room temperature to 120 C, and was found to be relatively transparent to its own light with an optimum thickness for Sr90 beta excitation of 160 mg/sq cm. Strontium-90 beta particle radiation damage studies on this phosphor indicate an onset of damage at a total radiation dose of 10 to the 8th power ergs/sq cm. These data indicate that Sr90 cannot be used and that the maximum operating temperature is about 120 C. Calculations indicate that, with a maximum temperature of 120 C allowed in the device, a maximum power input density of 200 nw/sq cm is permitted. Experiments are in progress on the source-phosphor geometry of an intimate powder mix of promethium-147 and ZnCdS:Cu. Also, experiments are being conducted on the fabrication of a single crystal phosphor - photovoltaic device.

Date Issued

1963-01-15

Extent

29

Corporate Author

Armour Research Foundation

Corporate Report Number

ARF 1214-TR 3

AD Number

AD-295 003

Contract

AF 33(657)8527

DoD Project

8173

Distribution Conflict

No

Index In

U.S. Government Research Reports, Vol. 38, No. 9, p. 60

Index Price

$3.60

Distribution Classification

1

DTIC Record Exists

Yes

Report Availability

Not available via Contrails

Type

report