Mini-battery solves mega-problems. (Academia: emerging technologies).(microscopic device draws energy from radioactive isotope)(Brief Article) From: R & D | Date: November 1, 2002 | COPYRIGHT 2002 Reed Business Information. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Researchers at Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y., have built a microscopic device that could supply power for decades to remote sensors or implantable medical devices by drawing energy from a radioactive isotope.

The device converts the energy stored in the radioactive material directly into motion. It could directly move the parts of a tiny machine or could generate electricity in a form more useful for many circuits. This new approach creates a high-impedance source--the fac...