Multi-layered radio-isotope for enhanced photoelectron avalanche process

A method of capturing photons to generate power comprising:

• receiving beta particles and photons emitted from a radioisotope core and a plurality of radioisotope source layers integrated with a nuclear thermionic avalanche cell (NTAC), wherein the NTAC comprises a plurality of NTAC layers configured to receive the beta particles and the photons;
• outputting avalanche electrons using the received beta particles and photons;
• guiding the avalanche electrons to cross over a vacuum gap to a collector;
• harnessing a load from the electrons at the collector via a power circuit;
• and
• generating an electrical current.

An energy conversion system comprising:

• a radioisotope core;
• a plurality of radioisotope source layers configured to emit beta particles and/or photons,
• wherein the radioisotope source layers have a thickness from about 3 mm to about 5 mm,
• wherein the radioisotope core and the layered isotope sources comprise Cobalt-60, Sodium-22, or Cesium-137;
• and
• a nuclear thermionic avalanche cell (NTAC) comprising a plurality of NTAC layers integrated with the radioisotope core and the radioisotope source layers and configured to receive the beta particles and the photons from the radioisotope source layers and by the received beta particles and photons free up electrons in an avalanche process from deep and intra bands of an atom to output thermal energy through a photo-ionic or thermionic process of the freed up electrons,
• wherein the NTAC layers comprise a nanostructured surface of a high Z material;
• and
• a thermoelectric generator configured to receive the thermal energy, wherein the thermal energy is radiatively conducted axially and radially, and output thermoelectric power, and
• wherein the thermoelectric generator surrounds the NTAC layers, the radioisotope core, and the radioisotope source layers.