Development of Long-Life, Energy-Dense Batteries Using Alpha-Beta Emitting Isotopes/Isomers

The primary goal will be to prioritize a list of radioisotopes based on availability, usability, demand, strategic interests, and production methods. In addition, we will begin to design and test new nuclear battery systems (radioisotopes coupled to a semi-conductor matrix). Results from durability or efficiency tests of nuclear battery prototypes using radiation from accelerated beams can be compared to simulations to inform future designs. We will explore different radioisotope production methods and the possibility of activating a stable nuclide within a nuclear battery system, creating the radioisotope after assembly. Additionally, we will develop and commission a state-of-the-art isomer-depletion experimental setup, incorporating bremsstrahlung x rays from our superconducting linacs, along with a decay monitoring station to study different isotopes and their potential to be used to store and utilize the energy in isomers.