Usable energy from alpha particles?

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    Alpha Energy Particles
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of extracting usable energy from alpha particles, exploring potential methods for energy conversion similar to photovoltaic panels. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications of energy harvesting from ambient and cosmic radiation sources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether usable energy can be extracted from alpha particles, drawing a parallel to photovoltaic energy generation.
  • Another participant suggests that direct conversion methods could be employed to extract electrical energy from the kinetic energy of alpha particles, depending on their vector distribution.
  • Links to research articles are provided to support the discussion on energy extraction techniques.
  • A participant clarifies that the source of the alpha particles is ambient or cosmic radiation, noting the low flux of these particles.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of energy harvesting from such low fluxes, questioning the feasibility of calculations based on these sources.
  • One participant asserts that there are virtually no alpha particles in cosmic rays and only a minimal presence in the ambient environment.
  • A humorous remark is made regarding the precision of the claim about alpha particle presence in cosmic rays.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the presence and utility of alpha particles in cosmic and ambient radiation, indicating unresolved questions about the practicality of energy extraction methods.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations regarding the low flux of alpha particles in both ambient and cosmic sources, which may affect the feasibility of energy harvesting. There is also uncertainty about the vector distribution of kinetic energy and its implications for energy extraction techniques.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in energy conversion technologies, nuclear physics, and radiation applications may find this discussion relevant.

garyTheSnail
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TL;DR
Usable energy from alpha particles?
Please excuse my physics ignorance.
Can usable energy be extracted from alpha particles? Perhaps in a manner similar to a photovoltaic panel producing power when exposed to light?
Thank you.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since they are charged particles, you may be able to use Direct Conversion to extract electrical energy from their kinetic energy, depending on the vector distribution of that kinetic energy. What is the source of your alpha particles?

For other vector distributions of the KE, there are other techniques:

https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.872124

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230911390_Utility_of_extracting_alpha_particle_energy_by_waves
 
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Thank you for the replies and links. The source of the alpha particles is ambient or cosmic radiation.
 
garyTheSnail said:
Thank you for the replies and links. The source of the alpha particles is ambient or cosmic radiation.
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?
 
There are approximately zero alphas in cosmic rays. There are only incrementally more than that in the ambient environment.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
There are approximately zero alphas in cosmic rays. There are only incrementally more than that in the ambient environment.
But to how many significant figures? :wink:
 

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