Light Source Lasts 12 Years - No Electricity

Found on PhysOrg on Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Browse Technology

The material, dubbed "Litrosphere," can cover a standard sheet of paper for a cost of about 35 cents, and comes in a variety of colors. It's also flexible, and can take the form of either paint or injection-molded plastic. The material is not affected by the heat or cold, can withstand 5,000 pounds, and stays on constantly.

According to the company's patent, the material is based on betavoltaics and uses the radioactive gas tritium as the power source. The beta particles from the tritium radiation can be safely contained by phosphor-coated microspheres. Tritium has a half-life of about 12 years.

"This has potential to save billions in energy costs world-wide," said Steve Stark, MPK engineer. "Litroenergy surpasses all known available lighting options for cost/durability/reliability and safety."

At first I thought "cool, I want that for some neat passive light effects in my room", but then I read about the Tritium. Now I think radioactive engery isn't bad; however, I wonder how good it would be having this inside the room you spent a lot of time in. Who knows, maybe I wouldn't be able to find out if it really lasts 12 years then.