Event
MSE Seminar: Dr. Marc S. Litz, ARL
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
3:30 p.m.
Room 2110 Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Building
Sherri Tatum
301-405-5240
statum12@umd.edu
"Radioisotope Energy Conversion: Materials, Loss Mechanisms and Applications"
Abstract: We present a review of radioisotope energy conversion approaches (thermal and direct) and applications of decaying radioisotopes. In the direct energy conversion approaches, more compact unit cells concepts are developed, compared to thermal energy conversion. The compact cells take advantage of the finite energy deposition and penetration range of the kinetic energy of radioisotope emitters (alpha, beta, gamma, and neutron). Radioisotopes of interest (and their properties) are reviewed. The interaction of radioisotope decay products with semiconductor and scintillating materials is described. The energy loss mechanisms are modeled and followed in semiconductors and scintillators with the goal of minimizing phonon loss and maximizing creation of secondary electrons and electron-hole pair creation. In this way we seek to maximize electrical power generation. Mechanical and electronic characteristics of semiconductor and scintillator useful in energy conversion devices are described and compared by band gap, lattice constant, etc. The experimentally measured energy conversion efficiency and material degradation from alpha radiation is described in these compound material systems, and results are compared to tabulated material characteristics.
Bio: Dr. Marc Litz has a 46 year career experience as researcher at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), where he has conducted extensive research on radiation interactions with materials, electronics, and systems. His expertise spans theoretical, modeling, and experimental approaches, with a focus on understanding and mitigating radiation effects. Dr. Litz has developed innovative diagnostic tools for high-energy electron beam sources and accelerators, including advanced data acquisition systems for particle accelerators and pulsed power systems for generating gamma and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) radiation environments. His research has also explored plasma and nonlinear beam instabilities in high-current electron beams, which are critical for producing high-power microwave radiation. In addition, Dr. Litz has modelled, designed and developed high-power antenna systems capable of generating gigawatt-level high-power impulse radiation, as well as compact receive antenna systems and joint time-frequency analysis techniques for characterizing impulse radar threats. Over the past decade, Dr. Litz has focused on modeling and experimentally verifying the interaction of neutron radiation with energetic materials, radioisotope decay products with semiconductors and scintillators, with the goal of efficiently converting long-lived radioisotope kinetic energy into electrical power. This research requires a deep understanding of radiation interactions with materials, radiation scattering and energy loss, and the mechanisms of damage and material degradation.
