The Need

Many applications require compact, long‑lived power sources that can operate reliably for years without maintenance, battery replacement, or recharging. This is particularly true for remote sensors, implantable medical devices, space systems, and defense or industrial monitoring deployed in harsh environments. Conventional chemical batteries suffer from limited lifetime, temperature sensitivity, and degradation under radiation exposure. Existing nuclear or radiation‑based power technologies often provide very low output power and efficiency, limiting their practical adoption.

The Technology

OSU engineers have developed a solid‑state charge‑generating device that converts radiation directly into electrical power using a three‑dimensional semiconductor architecture. The design incorporates micro‑structured surfaces that significantly increase the effective interaction area between radiation and the charge‑collecting semiconductor. Optional radiation‑conversion layers can be integrated to further enhance energy capture before charge collection. The platform is compatible with wide‑bandgap semiconductor materials and can be configured for different radiation sources, enabling flexible system‑level optimization.

Commercial Applications

• Long‑lived power supplies for implantable medical devices (e.g., pacemakers, neurostimulators)
• Remote and unattended sensors for industrial, environmental, or infrastructure monitoring
• Space and deep‑space power systems where solar power is impractical
• Low‑maintenance power sources for defense and security electronics

Benefits/Advantages

• Extended operational lifetime
• Higher power density
• Robust performance in harsh environments
• Design flexibility