Recent advances in silicon-germanium alloy technology and an assessment of the problems of building the modules for a radioisotope thermo-electric generator

Abstract

This paper reviews the state of the art of silicon-germanium technology and assesses the problems of building thermoelectric modules in Europe, based upon silicon-germanium alloys, for use in a multihundred watt radioisotope thermoelectric generator. The generator developed in the United States for the International Solar Polar mission has been used as a reference system. The essential features of an alternative system, which employs thermocouples fabricated from improved silicon-germanium alloys based upon a design by the Fairchild Space and Electronics Company, is also described. It is concluded that although the fabrication of reliable electrical contacts will present a major problem, the technology is available in Europe to build thermoelectric modules similar to those developed for the International Solar Polar mission.