GaAs radiovoltaic cell enhanced by Y2SiO5 crystal for the development of new gamma microbatteries

The design of a new gamma/GaAs multi-level structure radiovoltaic microbattery enhanced by an Y2SiO5 (YSO) crystal is proposed. By introducing the YSO crystal in the GaAs radiovoltaic cell, the output power from the cell was significantly improved. We focus on the enhancement mechanisms of performance output in one level of a multi-level structure. The radioluminescence spectra of the YSO crystal revealed its fluorescence in the wavelength range of approximately 300-700 nm. Light at the exact wavelength would normally be totally absorbed by the GaAs photovoltaic material. The radiovoltaic cells were tested using an X-ray tube to simulate the gamma rays emitted by a gamma-radioactive source. Experimental investigation showed that the YSO crystal can increase the cell output power. The output power of the new GaAs/YSO radiovoltaic cell was enhanced by more than four times compared to that of the conventional GaAs radiovoltaic cell. In addition, considering the importance of the YSO crystal in the new GaAs/YSO radiovoltaic cell, the irradiation resistance of the YSO crystal under X-ray excitation was also analysed.