High-efficiency ⁹⁰Sr radio-photovoltaic cells based on waveguide light concentration structure.

ABSTRACT: Radio-photovoltaic cells (RPVCs) are able to offer high reliability and extended operational lifetimes, making them ideal for harsh-environment applications. However, the two-stage energy conversion process inherently limits energy conversion efficiency (ECE). This study presents a novel RPVC design based on a waveguide light concentration (WLC) scheme, employing multilayer-stacked GAGG:Ce scintillation waveguides alternately loaded with ⁹⁰Sr radioisotope sources. Electron beam irradiation tests revealed highly efficient radioluminescence (RL) emission from the edge surfaces of GAGG:Ce waveguide at electron energies exceeding 60 keV. A RPVC prototype incorporating 1.43 Ci of ⁹⁰Sr achieved a maximum output power (P_max) of 48.9 μW, with an unprecedented ECE of 2.96%-the

SUBMITTER: Jiang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12170895 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature