Optoelectric nuclear battery

An optoelectric nuclear battery (also radiophotovoltaic device, radioluminescent nuclear battery or radioisotope photovoltaic generator) is a type of nuclear battery in which nuclear energy is converted into light, which is then used to generate electrical energy. This is accomplished by letting the ionizing radiation emitted by the radioactive isotopes hit a luminescent material (scintillator or phosphor), which in turn emits photons that generate electricity upon striking a photovoltaic cell.

The technology was developed in 1961 by researchers at Eimac, at their San Carlos, CA facility, contracted by Sandia National Laboratories. The device was intended for use in satellites.

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