Coin-sized nuclear 3V battery with 50-year lifespan enters mass production
(www.techspot.com)
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No, they don't. The radioactive element ionizes the air inside the device and causes the air to flow. The air flow causes the smoke particles to be drawn in to be continuously sampled and detected. This is the same way that the ionizing foil detectors are used to indicate radioactivity. The ionized air flow deflects a small strip of foil creating a visual indication that radioactivity is present.