It may sound like something out of a sci-fi thriller or a dystopian novel, but nuclear batteries are a reality. Sometimes referred to as atomic batteries, these batteries derive their power through radioactive isotopes in a similar way to nuclear reactors but without the chain reaction. Accordingly, nuclear powered batteries are expensive, but the cost is mitigated by their power and duration. Because of the cost, there are few day-to-day devices utilizing this kind of technology, and atomic batteries are most often used in applications where a high output and lengthy duration are necessary rather than beneficial.
Pacemakers
Because a pacemaker regulates the heart, power failure is not an option. Surprisingly, the idea of a nuclear-powered pacemaker is not a new one. In fact, Betacel was developed in the 1970s as an alternative to standard mercury cells, providing seven to 10 years of life. However, the stigma against nuclear energy was even stronger in this period than it is now, and fears of prolonged exposure made the market difficult to penetrate, the Betacel instead became a prototype for future excursions into betavoltaic technology.
Spacecraft
Because nuclear powered batteries are ideal for powering objects that are difficult to get to for replacement, betavoltaics remain an important part of space discovery. Scientists have long considered the usage of atomic batteries to enable sustainable systems during spaceflight. In fact, Britain made plans to kill two birds with one stone by cleaning up their nuclear waste for use in batteries for future missions. The kind of energy offers new solutions to exploration at home as well; many scientists are considering the usage of atomic batteries for deep sea excursions and long-term probes.
Cell Phones and PDAs
While these items are not currently capable of being powered by this kind of technology, the potential is on the horizon. As technology improves, batteries are increasingly smaller, all while offering more efficient methods of delivering electricity. The quest for a true nuclear battery available for cell phones may have a few stops along the way, beginning first as a component to lithium-based technology to assist in recharge times. While these boosts may not increase cell phone charges to a decade, they may be capable of sustaining a charge over several months, which is just in time for the next model to come out. With atomic batteries typically priced in the thousands, it's unlikely that many will get to experience this wonder first-hand, but as technology continues to evolve, an affordable solution will no doubt present itself eventually.
Nuclear power remains a controversial topic, and with many concerns about exposure to even minimal amounts of decay, the industry has an uphill struggle ahead of it. However, as technology continues to demand greater efficiency, science will continue to answer in kind, securing a place for nuclear powered batteries as commonplace as the lithium-based alternative.