BoSS Neutron Detector Technology

QynCell Technology

The QynCell is a revolutionary electrical energy device made possible by breakthroughs in semiconductor material science. The precise coupling of the energy of beta (high energy electron) emitting radioisotopes with advanced semiconductor materials makes possible a new class of power sources. This technology is similar to that of photovoltaic technology; however, the source of the power is a beta emitting radioisotope instead of the sun.

Qynergy has demonstrated the ability to convert radioisotope energy into useable electrical power using multiple radioisotopes and semiconductor designs. Unlike many other betavoltaic technologies, the QynCell can utilize higher energy isotopes without significant degradation. Therefore this technology has the ability to provide more power per curie of isotope utilized. Qynergy has demonstrated very high efficiencies (>10%) using medium energy isotopes such as 33P.

The advantages of the QynCell Technology are:

Long Life - The useful life of the QynCell ranges from months to many years depending on the needs of an application.
Maintenance Free – During its life, the QynCell does not require charging or servicing.
Rugged – The QynCell can operate at high and low temperatures in a wide range of environmental conditions
Scaleable - QynCell technology is scaleable and can be miniaturized for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and small microelectronics.
Portable – QynCells operate unattended while located or embedded in: portable devices, remote buildings, spacecraft, underground and underwater.

Potential applications of such devices include:

Direct power and battery/ultracapacitor trickle charging for remote, unattended, and/or wireless sensing systems
Distributed power for microsystems
Backup power for critical systems, especially in space or other remote environments

BoSS Neutron Detector Technology

Qynergy has developed a 10B (boron-10) solid state (BoSS) neutron detector technology. The presence of thermal neutrons is a sure indicator of controlled nuclear materials. Gamma particles, on the other hand, are present in many non-threatening materials. The U.S. is under increasing pressure to control the illegal trafficking of nuclear materials. Detection technologies need to be more widely deployed to cast a wide net for the presence of such illicit materials. Qynergy’s BoSS detector is a compact, rugged, solid-state neutron detection device capable of operating under extreme conditions. Unlike competitive solid-state neutron detection devices, the BoSS detector can distinguish between gamma particles and neutron particles, thereby reducing false alarms. Unlike pressurized gas tubes (3He or BF3), the BoSS detector is cost effective and can operate for years with minimal maintenance.

Fast neutrons get thermalized as they pass through a moderator. These thermalized neutrons impinge on a layer of 10B and create alpha particles which are then detected by a solid state detector. The detector separates out signals from gamma particles and only counts those from neutrons.

The advantages of the BoSS technology are:

Compact – can be made into small sensors
Rugged – solid state construction enables a rugged device
Operates in extreme environments – operates at a range of temperatures
Cost effective – significantly lower cost than current neutron detectors

The technology has potential applications in:

Pocket detectors
Remote sensors
Container security

Qynergy is working with the University of Missouri to develop a compact piezoelectric neutron generator that can be used in its Compact Active Interrogation System (CActIS) for detecting special nuclear materials (SNM).

QynCap Technology

Qynergy is currently developing an aqueous asymmetric ultracapacitor technology which is a ultracapacitor-battery hybrid. Ultracapacitors are capable of very high discharge rate and can take millions of recharges. Batteries on the other hand have very high energy densities and have very low self-discharge rates. The QynCap technology combines the benefits of batteries and ultracapacitors to create a device that has significantly lower self discharge and much higher energy density than ultracapacitors, and significantly higher discharge rates and recharge cycles compared to batteries. The QynCap consists of a double layer carbon electrode and a nickel (oxy)hydroxide electrode in an aqueous electrolyte. A comparison of the properties of the QynCap ultracapacitor when compared to typical electrolytic capacitors and batteries is shown in the table below.

* Possible in lower capacity cells
Key Characteristic	Electrolytic Capacitors	QynCap	Rechargeable Batteries
Voltage	6.3 ~ 450 V	1.4, 12, 24 V	1.2, 4.2, 12 V
Operating Temp	-55°C - 85, 105, 125°C	-40°C - 70°C (Up to 85°C)	-20°C - 60°C
Cycle Life (100% DOD)	Infinite	Nearly infinite	300 – 1000
Energy Density (Wh/kg)	0.002 - 0.0001	5 – 10	10 - 200
Power Density (W/kg)	1,000 - 100,000	5,000-10,000	50 – 300 (*3000)
Charge Rate	10-6 to 10-3 Seconds	Seconds – Minutes	Hours

The QynCap technology has potential applications in several areas including:

Increasing military vehicle battery life in a combat environment
Cold weather vehicle starting
Engine starting for frequent stop/start vehicles
Hold up power for UPS systems
Power for sonar buoys
Regenerative braking systems in hybrid electric vehicles and trains
Material handling systems (electric fork lifts etc.)