• Electronics
• Thermal Management
• Micro Power Sources
• Sensor Power & Packaging Technologies
• Optoelectronic Devices
• 3-D Microsystem Integration
• Sensors & Systems
• Organic & Flexible Electronics

Micro Power Sources

We are developing micro-scale thermoelectric power sources that could replace batteries in electronic microsystem applications. Because of their limited operational life, current battery technologies are inadequate. Designed for minimal maintenance, our technology harvests energy from natural and ubiquitous environmental and systems sources, thereby replacing -- or augmenting -- batteries. Our technology is compact and lightweight, with high specific power density. It is designed to be easily integrated across many system platforms with little effect on the footprint of the electronics it powers. RTI micro thermoelectric power devices are also being integrated with isotope heat sources to produce micro isotope power sources (MIPS).

Research Citations

• Posthill, J.B., Dausch, D.E., Watkins, C.B., Lee, M.L., Lewis, J., Mantini, M., & et al. (2007).
  Assessment of micro-components for energy harvesting from thermal gradients, light, and mechanical vibrations.
  Proceedings of 2007 GOMACTech-07, Government Microcircuit Applications and Critical Technology Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 245.