Stable Periodic Signal Generator (clock) based on Beta Particle Emissions
- Detailed Technology Description
- A device and method for generating a stable periodic signal were developed for use as a frequency or time keeping signal source.
- Others
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Patent: 7,476,865
- *Abstract
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This invention is for a device and method for generating a stable periodic signal for use as a frequency or time keeping signal source. Emissions from a radioactive thin film are detected and used to generate a periodic signal based on the radioisotope's decay rate. To improve stability, a dead-time controlling attenuator responds to the radioactive emission detector signal and attenuates it for a selected dead-time interval. The insensitivity of beta emissions to ambient conditions makes the device stable under most conditions.
Potential Applications
- Precise time or frequency reference for sensors, cellular telephones, communication devices
Advantages
- Low cost
- Long life
- Simple, robust design
- Minimal-power consumption
- Unaffected by ambient conditions such as temperature
- Uses Ni-63, a safe radioisotope
- Predictable rate-of-decay can be systematically corrected
- *Licensing
- Patrick Govangpjg26@cornell.edu(607) 254-2330
- Country/Region
- USA

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