- #1
sanman
- 745
- 24
Hi,
While googling around further, I came across this reference:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/882432575m335467/
That sounds significant. 210Po is supposed to be a significant alpha emitter, and has been used in Radioisotope Thermal Generators. So enhancing its decay rate by 5-8% means significantly more energy output. However, I'd imagine it would be difficult to drain the heat off a nuclear fuel element fast enough to keep it at 12K.
But still, wouldn't it be an interesting idea?
While googling around further, I came across this reference:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/882432575m335467/
Abstract. In the metal Cu cooled to T = 12K the α-decay half-life of 210Po nuclides, located inside the metal, was measured to be shorter by 6.3±1.4% compared to that at room temperature.
That sounds significant. 210Po is supposed to be a significant alpha emitter, and has been used in Radioisotope Thermal Generators. So enhancing its decay rate by 5-8% means significantly more energy output. However, I'd imagine it would be difficult to drain the heat off a nuclear fuel element fast enough to keep it at 12K.
But still, wouldn't it be an interesting idea?