An Innovative Use Of Atomic Energy
It sounds like it should be expensive, but it really isn't!
Graphite and diamond have the same chemical composition. They are both made entirely of the element carbon, but the carbon atoms are joined together in different ways. Their distinct crystal structures give them completely different properties. Graphite is opaque and very soft, and is used to make pencils. Diamonds are the hardest natural substance known, and as well as being highly valued for jewellery they are utilised in industry as components in tools that cut and polish. Most people think that diamond is very expensive, but actually it's not that expensive to make if you have the right equipment!
Very high quality 'electronic-grade' diamond can be used to make our radiovoltaic micro-power devices. Diamond is stable over a wide range of temperatures and is a wide band-gap semiconductor - ideal for voltaic devices. Above all other materials, diamond has the strength to contain the entrapped radioactivity without its structure becoming damaged. Other materials will degrade and quickly stop working.
Trapping Radioactivity Inside A Diamond
It's not easy to do, but its very important!
When we embarked on our exciting journey to develop the Diamond Battery; we knew that a key requirement for making our technology work, was to trap all of the beta-radioactivity inside the diamond device structure. In doing so, no radioactivity would escape and all of the released energy would be absorbed by the structure of the diamond and converted into energy in the form of electrical current, plus a tiny amount of heat and light. This is direct nuclear-electric conversion - a holy grail for many scientists over the last few decades.
Extreme Lifetime
(decades to millennia without charging)
Highly Reliable
(no moving parts)
Recyclable
(can be regenerated)
Zero Maintenance
(install and forget about it)
Chemical unreactive
(diamond is inert)
Biologically compatible
(medical implants)
Extreme temperatures
(works better in colder environments, safe up to 500C)
Radiologically Safe
(radioactivity is trapped within the diamond)
Why Diamond?
A Technology Based On Carbon And Hydrogen Isotopes
The radioisotopes we use for our technology are the heaviest isotopes of carbon and hydrogen. Specifically we use Carbon-14 and Tritium (H-3), which are both radioactive beta emitters and we can incorporate them into a diamond in large quantities. The Carbon-14 replaces natural carbon isotopes in the crystal structure, whilst Tritium can be squeezed into all the tight interstitial spaces between carbon atoms. In this way we can load our diamonds with atomic energy!
When an atom of either isotope undergoes radioactive decay, a beta particle is released - which can be considered as a very high energy electron. As they particles fire out into the surrounding crystal lattice their energy is converted into electrical current which flows out of the device.
Diode Devices
Diamond beta-batteries are actually based on a type of electronic device called a diode. A diode is a semiconductor device with a PN junction and has two electrode terminals called anode and cathode on opposite sides of the device - its a bit like a layered sandwich.
In our diamond diode devices, we have a layer buried within the structure which contains all the radioactivity. The 'normal' diamond on either side of this layer provides containment of the radioactivity as well as performing an electronic role in converting the beta energy to electrical current.
There are several ways that this radioactive layer can be formed when using Tritium but only one when using Carbon-14 - you have to grow the diamond from a radioactive methane gas using a process called Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
A Dynamic Team
Meet Our Experts
Our exceptional team of entrepreneurs is the driving force behind Arkenlight's success. Working closely with the UK Atomic energy Authority, our staff delivers innovative technology that will enhance the lives of our clients. Explore below to discover more about the remarkable Arkenlight team.
Professor Neil Fox
Bringing nearly several decades of industry and academic experience, Neil Fox is a passionate advocate for research and innovation. With a knack for growing diamond and reinventing ways of growing it, Neil is one of the two inventors of the diamond battery technology , Neil is a key figure at Arkenlight. Reach out to connect with him and ask about the technology.
Tech Visionary
Professor Tom Scott
Bringing over 20 years working as a research academic specialising in nuclear materials and devices, he handles all aspects of device development with curiosity and enthusiasm. With fantastic links to industry and government nuclear laboratories, Scott is a dedicated innovator you want on your team. Contact him to learn more.
Dr Robbie MacKenzie
Dr Robbie MacKenzie is a rising-star in Scott and Fox's radiovoltaics research team. In his PhD he managed to single-handedly increase the power performance of the diamond gamma-voltaic technology by about a million times. He is literally a scientific ninja when it comes to diamonds and radioactivity.
Strategic Leader
Experimental Expert
Join Our Team
At Arkenlight, we are on the lookout for top talent to drive our business forward. With a dedicated team and a commitment to growth, we are excited to expand the Arkenlight family. If you believe you have what it takes to join us, we'd love to hear from you.