Comparative Monte Carlo study of transparent protective layers for beta radiation attenuation in betavoltaic applications

Hışıroğlu K. A., AKÇALI Ö., TOKER O., İÇELLİ O.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes, cilt.229, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 229
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.112358
  • Dergi Adı: Applied Radiation and Isotopes
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC, MEDLINE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Beta radiation shielding, Betavoltaic battery, Half absorption thickness, MCNP, Transparent polymers
  • Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study investigates the beta radiation shielding and transmission performance of transparent polymers and glasses used as protective layers in commercial p-i-n diodes for betavoltaic systems. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first comprehensive application of the Half Absorption Thickness (HAT) metric to transparent polymers and glasses, providing a novel quantitative parameter for optimizing beta shielding performance. MCNP6.2 simulations were performed for seven beta sources (3H, 63Ni, 14C, 147Pm, 90Sr, 90Y, 99Tc) and five materials (PMMA, SMMA, PC, Pyrex, glass) over nanometer-millimeter thicknesses. Transmission strongly depended on material type and source energy; glass attenuated 94 % of 3H at sub-micron thickness, while PC transmitted over 30 %. The Half Absorption Thickness (HAT) metric revealed nanoscale attenuation differences, such as <200 nm for 3H in glass versus >600 nm in PC. Logarithmic regression models (R2 > 0.99) allow rapid performance estimation, providing a quantitative basis for material selection in betavoltaic batteries, medical diagnostics, aerospace sensors, and radiation-hardened electronics.