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Nuclear Battery That Runs 10 Years

Jenny writes "A battery with a lifespan measured in decades is in development at the University of Rochester, as scientists demonstrate a new fabrication method that in its roughest form is already 10 times more efficient than current nuclear batteries -- and has the potential to be nearly 200 times more efficient. Similar to the way solar panels work by catching photons from the sun and turning them into current, the science of betavoltaics uses silicon to capture electrons emitted from a radioactive gas, such as tritium, to form a current. As the electrons strike a special pair of layers called a 'p-n junction,' a current results. I can imagine lots of applications for this new battery including my own laptop."

3 of 689 comments (clear)

  1. A new application immediately springs to mind... by crumbz · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    ....a combination laptop/birth control device. Where is a patent attorney when I need one?

  2. I CALL BULLSHIT! by justforaday · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    C'mon, a slashdot reader named Jenny?

    --
    I'll turn into a supernova and burn up everything. Well I'll turn into a black little hole and you'll turn into string.
  3. TheHoosierWeb: A Source of Intelligent Discussion by eattre · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    This is the hottest college website around! Also, check out some pics from the site here.