Title :
Radioisotope Powered Electrostatic Microactuators and Electronics
Author :
Lal, Amit ; Duggirala, Rajesh ; Tin, Steven
Author_Institution :
Cornell Univ., Ithaca
Abstract :
Radioisotope thin films, with their 1-100 MJ/cc energy densities and 1-100 year half lifetimes, are suitable for powering long lifetime autonomous microsystems. In this paper, we review the application of nickel-63 radioisotope thin-film fuels in long lifetime power generators, direct charging DC voltage generators, novel low voltage drop bridge rectifiers, and self-powered wake-up sensors. A broad tool kit of capabilities enabled by the energetic thin films may enable near-perpetual microsystems.
Keywords :
bridge circuits; electrostatic actuators; radioisotopes; DC voltage generator; electrostatic microactuator; nickel-63 radioisotope thin-film fuel; self-powered wake-up sensor; voltage drop bridge rectifier; Bridge circuits; DC generators; Electrostatics; Fuels; Low voltage; Microactuators; Power generation; Radioactive materials; Thin film sensors; Transistors; DC-bias; Radioisotope; micropower; power; zero-power sensors;
Conference_Titel :
Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Conference, 2007. TRANSDUCERS 2007. International
Conference_Location :
Lyon
Print_ISBN :
1-4244-0842-3
Electronic_ISBN :
1-4244-0842-3
DOI :
10.1109/SENSOR.2007.4300121
