How nuclear batteries could speed the race to fusion power

What Happened

Avalanche Energy received a $5.2 million DARPA contract to develop radiovoltaics, materials that convert radiation into electricity. The technology aims to improve fusion reactor efficiency beyond the current 60% steam turbine approach. Radiovoltaics could capture alpha particles produced by fusion reactions, protecting reactor walls while generating additional power. Avalanche also won $1.25 million from the Air Force for materials discovery research. The company develops desktop-scale fusion reactors intended for remote military bases.

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