A company called MPK is designing a light source that will glow continuously for more than 12 years without any additional energy.The material, dubbed “Litrosphere,” can cover a standard sheet of paper for a cost of about 35 cents, and comes in a variety of colors. It´s also flexible, and can take the form of either paint or injection-molded plastic. The material is not affected by the heat or cold, can withstand 5,000 pounds, and stays on constantly.
According to the company’s patent, the material is based on betavoltaics and uses the radioactive gas tritium as the power source. The beta particles from the tritium radiation can be safely contained by phosphor-coated microspheres. Tritium has a half-life of about 12 years.
MPK specializes in glow-in-the-dark paint and other glow products, although the new material does not need to be exposed to light in order to work. The company predicts that the technology could be used for light safety tape, lighted life rafts/flotation equipment, toys, sports/camping equipment, and bikes.
“This has potential to save billions in energy costs world-wide,” said Steve Stark, MPK engineer. “Litroenergy surpasses all known available lighting options for cost/durability/reliability and safety.”
Tags: energy, futrism, light, technology
Great post! I will start following MPK. Thanks for the info.