Self-Powered Ultra High Vacuum Technology for Harsh Environment Wireless Sensors

研究目标和方法本研究的目的是发展放射性同位素驱动的超高真空离子真空泵和离子规的科学技术，该泵和离子规具有直接充电的放射性同位素电源和无线发射机。该方法是利用发射β的放射性同位素薄膜发射的电子来电离气体，同时产生高压以去除气体，同时利用自往复悬臂实现从放射性同位素中提取能量。智力价值：这项努力将导致构建微型特高压技术的积木，可以用于一系列微米和纳米级的真空设备。将测量和模拟在微真空封装内的β粒子诱导离子产生、二次和一次离子/电子扩散的基本过程，以优化自能泵浦的原子去除。这种有源吸气剂技术将使直接带电的放射性同位素电源能够运行，这本质上使非常少量的放射性同位素能够用于产生有用的功率水平。更广泛的影响：这项工作将导致具有集成无线传输的电源，在需要救命可靠性的几十年的运行中。这些应用包括在微小体腔中的长期植入，以及需要在非常高和很低的温度下工作的无线传感器，如汽车发动机、化学处理中心，并掺入混凝土中进行结构监测。通过提高微型电源的可靠性，许多应用将在国家和企业预算内，使生活更安全和有效。将开发一门研究生级别的课程，内容是应用于微系统的放射性同位素科学和技术。

Research Objectives and ApproachesThe objective of this research is to develop science and technology of radioisotope powered ultra-high vacuum ion-vacuum pumps and ion-gauges, with direct charge radioisotope power sources and wireless transmitters. The approach is to use the electrons emitted from beta-emitting radioisotope thin films to ionize gases, and also generate high voltages for removing gases, while realizing power extraction from the radioisotopes using self-reciprocating cantilever. Intellectual Merit:The effort will lead to building blocks of miniature UHV technology that can be used for a host of micro and nanoscale vacuum devices. The basic processes of beta-particle induced ion creation, secondary and primary ion/electron diffusion within micro vacuum packages will be measured and modeled to optimize atom removal for self-powered pumping. This active getter technology will enable the operation of direct charge radioisotope power sources, which inherently enable very small amounts of radioisotopes to be used to generate useful power levels. Broader Impact:This work will lead to power sources with integrated wireless transmission for decades of operation where life-saving reliability is required. These applications include long-term implants in tiny body cavities, and wireless sensors that need to operate in very high and low temperatures such as car engines, chemical processing centers, and mixed into concrete for structural monitoring. By increasing the reliability of miniature power sources, many applications will become within national and corporate budgets for making lives safer and efficient., A graduate level course will be developed on the science and technology of radioisotopes applied to microsystems.