Monte Carlo simulation of a direct beta-radiation harvester: Impact of electric fields

Itzhak Orion
Department of Nuclear Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
Adir Cohen
Department of Nuclear Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
Elroei Damri
Nuclear Research Center Negev (NRCN), Beer-Sheva 84190, Israel

Article ID: 4347

Keywords: energy harvesting; beta-radiation; ion-chamber; Monte Carlo; simulation

Abstract

The viability of high-efficiency direct energy harvesting from a beta-emitting radioactive source was previously experimentally investigated using an apparatus based on an ionization chamber equipped with an internal positioning stage for the source. This novel concept uniquely leverages the direct collection of beta particles on a converter electrode, converting their kinetic energy into electrical power and enabling compact power sources. This approach offers ultra-long-life, maintenance-free solutions in applications where conventional batteries are impractical. To evaluate system performance, we employed Monte Carlo simulations to model electron transport, governed by continuous slowing down due to Coulomb interactions. Electron interactions in matter, dominated by elastic and inelastic scattering, can lead to ionization events accompanied by X-ray fluorescence or Auger electron emission. EGS5 Monte Carlo simulations were performed to study the response of an ionization chamber to a Ni-63 beta source under various electric field strengths. The simulated dosimetric response was compared with previous experimental measurements. Gas-filled ionization chambers, consisting of two electrodes in a controlled electric field, are widely used for radiation dosimetry. Simulations using four different chamber gases across a wide range of field strengths showed consistent agreement with measured dose responses. These results demonstrate that the developed simulation framework is an accurate and versatile tool for investigating electron behavior in gas-filled detectors. It can be confidently applied in future studies to explore alternative gases, field configurations, or radiation sources. Additionally, the findings support the feasibility of direct beta radiation harvesting, highlighting its potential for developing compact and efficient power sources.

Published

2026-07-14

How to Cite

Orion, I., Cohen, A., & Damri, E. (2026). Monte Carlo simulation of a direct beta-radiation harvester: Impact of electric fields. Energy Storage and Conversion, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.59400/esc4347

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Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026): In Progress

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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