An electrical energy generator with improved efficiency has a base on
which is mounted an elastically deformable micromechanical element that
has a section that is free to be displaced toward the base. An absorber
of radioactively emitted particles is formed on the base or the
displaceable section of the deformable element and a source is formed on
the other of the displaceable section or the base facing the absorber
across a small gap. The radioactive source emits charged particles such
as electrons, resulting in a buildup of charge on the absorber, drawing
the absorber and source together and storing mechanical energy as the
deformable element is bent. When the force between the absorber and the
source is sufficient to bring the absorber into effective electrical
contact with the source, discharge of the charge between the source and
absorber allows the deformable element to spring back, releasing the
mechanical energy stored in the element. An electrical generator of
improved efficiency includes a first energy source comprising a
piezoelectric transducer secured to the deformable element to convert the
released mechanical energy to electrical energy. A second energy source
comprises a betavoltaic cell carried on the deformable element or
electron collector cantilever beam to provide a direct current (DC) power
output that can be added to the piezo-electric circuit's alternating
current (AC) power output, such that there is a continuous power output
that can be used to provide power to electronic circuits.