Liu, Baojun
(2011)
Nuclear Micro-Engineering Using Tritium.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
We have been witnessing an unprecedented progress in the arena of MEMS and nanotechnology. By shrinking the size of individual devices and using batch micro-electronics fabrication processes, complex micro/nano-systems with greater functionalities have been integrated on a single chip. The work in this thesis pushes NEMS approach into nuclear engineering. Characterized by long life-time and high power density, radioactive isotopes are appealing power sources for autonomous and very small volume micro-devices. By immobilizing tritium in thin film or on-chip, the multi-functional nature of the nuclear micro-engineering was exploited for a range of applications in betavoltaic, sensing, and on-chip radiators. The objective of this thesis is to explore the miniaturization of these self-powered devices and systems using MEMS and nanotechnology approaches. In this thesis: A contamination-free, CMOS-compatible fabrication technique to integrate monolithically radioactive isotopes on-chip on a micrometer scale has been demonstrated. The application for micro-power generation and sensing are explored. A number of nuclear to electricity energy conversion devices with high-efficiency and excellent longevity have been explored. The embedded on-chip isotope micro-sources have been used to create localized ionization sources for chip-scale gas chromatography sensors and radiators. The extension of micro-engineered radioisotope into MEMS and nanotechnology will generates research opportunities in unattended fields.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
30 June 2011 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Defense Date: |
21 November 2008 |
| Approval Date: |
30 June 2011 |
| Submission Date: |
25 November 2008 |
| Access Restriction: |
5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years. |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Swanson School of Engineering > Electrical Engineering |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
betavoltaic; isotope; nuclear micro-engineering; radiation; battery; tritium |
| Other ID: |
http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-11252008-161031/, etd-11252008-161031 |
| Date Deposited: |
10 Nov 2011 20:06 |
| Last Modified: |
15 Nov 2016 13:52 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/9798 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}