A very successful man once told the author that the key to success in business is-the ability to turn chicken shit into chicken salad. The guru of nuclear physics also said-get a map of all the bagel shops in New York state. This verbal utterance leads the reader to the photoelectric effect. This effect which won Mr. Einstein the Nobel prize of physics in 1925. In the photoelectric effect, light of varied wavelengths that impinge upon alkali and alkaline earth metals of sufficient wavelength and magnitude, cause an electron to leave the outer orbital and fall to a lower energy state liberating energy. In essence, light shining upon a pure metallic element creates a current when the substrate is hooked up to a circuit. The wavelength and the metal chosen, in a pair, create an endless battery. For example, visible light and metallic lithium in a circuit produces electricity. The electricity can be used to power electronic devices. In this study, radioactive waste, notably cesium 137 and Strontium 90 which are strong gamma emitters produce gamma photons that can cause a photoelectric effect in an alkali metal, when in circuit, and this becomes a natural battery. High level radioactive waste, emitters with a half-life 30 years, can power spacecraft and other applications with an almost endless array of electricity, suitable for deep space missions.
Like Thomas Edison said- genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration, the correct metals can be matched with the appropriate wavelengths that liberate electrons and mankind has a battery that does not need to be recharged and last thirty years. Battery powered robots can pioneer new paths in scenarios where the common man cannot live. This gift might lead humankind into places thought unknown and uninhabitable. Just like anything good, it takes a lot of work. Just do it. Start working.
Battery technology is not just lithium in a colloidal gel that explodes when it is overcharged. Battery technology is more and in front of everyone’s face on the periodic table. We just have to try and never give up, and an angel might speak the secret of the universal wave equation into someone’s mind and the human race can move to a new planet once the sun burns out.
The temperate forest is green and un- impenetrable and blends into huge mountains and hidden valleys. The sea undulates in greens, blues, greys and browns and boiling whites and seems to move on endlessly. The vast deserts and plains lead to cities and nowhere under a tumultuous sun. With all this beauty that surrounds us, it might be time to play with lasers and high energy electrons. It gets old getting drunk and smoking pot and dreams exist on an expansive event horizon into eternity. Gee Whiz, what’s on YouTube tonight?