[Domino]

Thank you, for the explanation of alpha particles.

Quote by: gallo Alpha particles are 2+ ions. They do a great deal of damage to anything they impact. The quickly grab bind any available electrons, so I don't think it would be conducive to electric generation since it depends on moving electrons.

I'm guessing these things are moving too fast for helium's buoyancy to become a factor, so you can't exactly just strap a balloon to the barrel. If you could collect the ions before they can grab electrons, current generation should be a cinch.

Alternatively, it seems like keeping a charge on the barrel ought to prevent corrosion. It'll add a maintenance cost, but that might be cheaper than leaky barrels.

But what are the side effects of that light? Corrosion?

Well, I've found this: United Nuclear- Optical Geiger Counter
As alpha particles impact the thing, photons are released. If you've got photons flying around, it's pretty easy to turn 'em into electrons that go where you want. I suspect, though, that, as a light source, this is not nearly sufficient for any significant power generation. Solar cells are barely sufficient, and this thing can't compete with a candle.

Not to mention the dangers of trucking around large quantities of highly radioactive materials. You'r going to scare Milton with that kind of talk.

Well, we already do that. If we can ship them to a useful place instead of a useless place, let's.

Why is it a goal to "harness" radiation?

Because otherwise, it's just waste. We derive our electricity from exploiting energy differentials, and here's one going unexploited. That's not to say they're all worth exploiting. The potential energy of Yucca Mountain will last for millennia, but if all it can do is power one house, it's probably not worth it. It's nice to think that energy acquired over that duration would surely justify the initial investment, but it might not.