Ah, so very low flux, right? Ambient will be isotropic and cosmic will be slightly non-isotropic, but with such low fluxes it's hard to see much energy harvesting from either. Is that what you are thinking of calculating?garyTheSnail said:
But to how many significant figures?Vanadium 50 said:
An alpha particle is a type of ionizing radiation that consists of two protons and two neutrons. It is the largest and most highly charged type of radiation, and is emitted by certain radioactive materials.
Alpha particles can be used in a process called nuclear fission, where they are directed at a target material, such as uranium, to split its atoms and release energy. This energy can then be converted into electricity through various methods.
One major advantage of using alpha particles for energy production is that they are highly energetic and can release a large amount of energy in a small amount of time. They also do not produce greenhouse gases or contribute to air pollution, making them a cleaner energy source.
One potential risk is the radioactive nature of alpha particles, which can be harmful to living organisms if not properly contained. There is also the risk of accidents or malfunctions at nuclear power plants, which can lead to the release of harmful radiation.
Yes, there are currently several nuclear power plants around the world that use alpha particles to generate electricity. However, there is ongoing research and development to improve the efficiency and safety of using alpha particles for energy production.