Scintillator to generate electricity?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using gamma rays as a source of energy to charge a phone. However, due to safety concerns and limitations in technology, this idea is not feasible. Scintillator detectors and photomultiplier tubes are mentioned as potential components, but the majority of the energy from gamma rays is dissipated and a high voltage is needed for the process to work. The participants in the conversation also suggest that using a normal wall charger or other USB source would be a more practical solution.
  • #1
ryanuser
74
0
Hi, I am doing a high school project based on physics and I wondered if my idea works or not.
So I was thinking to use gamma rays as a source of energy to produce enough current to charge my phone.
My question is that would it be possible to use scintillators (used in photomultipliers in astronomy to decrease the frequency of gamma rays to visible light) so then the visible light can be directed at a solar panel to knock the electrons off the silicon surface so then a current could flow?

The image below might clarify.
ImageUploadedByPhysics Forums1416342249.343575.jpg
 
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  • #2
In general, any source of gamma rays of such quantity and intensity as what you are looking for would be tightly regulated by national and international laws. Without proper handling of these sources by trained personnel, fatal exposure to gamma rays could result. Radiation of any kind is not something you want to handle casually.
 
  • #3
Hypothetically would it be possible if this was going to be done under high health and safety conditions (wearing lead gloves and clothing) and in a more equipped lab?
 
  • #4
ryanuser said:
Hypothetically would it be possible if this was going to be done under high health and safety conditions (wearing lead gloves and clothing) and in a more equipped lab?
possibly, but what's the point ? ... it isn't anything that could be made for common usage
and even in a lab it would be easier, safer and cheaper to use a normal wall charger or other USB source

Dave
 
  • #5
What Davenn and SteamKing said in regards to safety is very true.

But to entertain the question, even if you had a gamma source of sufficient intensity, you still wouldn't be able to do this. The only reason scintillator detectors are useful is because they have photomultiplier tubes to amplify the incredibly weak signal (on the order of a few hundred photons) to an electrical signal that may be measured. Only a very small fraction of the energy lost by the gamma rays in the scintillator are converted to fluorescence. Most is dissipated through lattice vibrations and heat. Further, a typical photomultiplier tube runs at about 1000 V. So you'd never get net energy out.

ETA: Radiation Detection and Measurement by Glenn F. Knoll has an excellent chapter on scintillator detectors and one on photomultiplier tubes.
 
  • Like
Likes Nugatory and davenn

FAQ: Scintillator to generate electricity?

What is a scintillator and how does it generate electricity?

A scintillator is a material that emits light when struck by ionizing radiation. This light can then be converted into electricity through a process called the photovoltaic effect, where photons from the scintillator knock electrons off of a metal surface, creating an electrical current.

What types of radiation can a scintillator convert into electricity?

A scintillator can convert a wide range of ionizing radiation, including alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, and X-rays, into electricity.

How efficient is a scintillator at converting radiation into electricity?

The efficiency of a scintillator depends on the type of radiation it is exposed to and the material it is made of. Generally, scintillators have an efficiency range of 10-80%, with some specialized materials reaching efficiencies as high as 95%.

What are some common applications of scintillators for generating electricity?

Scintillators are commonly used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity from the radiation produced by nuclear reactions. They are also used in medical imaging devices, such as PET scanners, to convert radiation emitted by the body into electrical signals for imaging.

What are the advantages of using a scintillator to generate electricity?

Using a scintillator to generate electricity has several advantages. It is a clean and efficient process, with no emissions or waste products. Scintillators are also compact and lightweight, making them ideal for use in portable or space-limited applications. Additionally, they have a long lifespan and require little maintenance.

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