Efficient, Long-Lived Radioisotope Power Generator

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc., (RMD) proposes to develop an alternative very long term, radioisotope power source with thermoelectric power conversion with greater than 10% energy efficiency for deep space applications. The proposed technology is based on a betavoltaic generator which can be produced in bulk form, allowing the construction of generators with power output similar to radioisotope thermal generators (RTG) but with higher efficiency. In Phase I, RMD will estimate the potential performance of the betavoltaic generator, examine practical issues affecting manufacturability and lifetime, and experimentally demonstrate components of the proposed betavoltaics generator. The Phase I results will provide clear "Go-No Go" results. The goal of Phase II is to complete the research and development on the betavoltaic generator technology, and to build and test a small prototype system with at least 10% conversion efficiency. A major focus of Phase II will be the development of the crystal growth process including dispersing radioactive sources within the scintillator. By the end of Phase II, the generator technology will have been demonstrated and ready for further engineering to bring it to a more advanced level (TRL-6) in 2 to 3 years.

Potential non-NASA commercial applications which could potentially use much smaller versions of the generator technology include remote instrumentation for environmental measurements, remote sensors for Homeland Security, very long term remote sensors for traffic and other civilian applications, remote terrestrial commercial monitoring or surveillance applications, and implantable medical devices.

Potential NASA applications include power sources for satellites, balloons, remote terrestrial locations and planetary rovers.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.