Demonstration of a 4H SiC Betavoltaic Nuclear Battery Based on Schottky Barrier Diode

A 4H SiC betavoltaic nuclear battery is demonstrated. A Schottky barrier diode is utilized for carrier separation. Under illumination of Ni-63 source with an apparent activity of 4mCi/cm², an open circuit voltage of 0.49V and a short circuit current density of 29.44nA/cm² are measured. A power conversion efficiency of 1.2% is obtained. The performance of the device is limited by low shunt resistance, backscattering and attenuation of electron energy in air and Schottky electrode. It is expected to be significantly improved by optimizing the design and processing technology of the device.