EMISSION PHYSICS OF THE THERMIONIC ENERGY CONVERTER

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1963 · Proc. IEEE (Inst. Elec. Electron. Engrs.)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/PROC.1963.2266· OSTI ID:4627926

Rasor, N S

Emission processes establish the upper limit of the performance obtainable in the thermionic converter. The basic factors are introduced that must be considered to achieve this limit and recent developments in the related technology are outlined. The basic elements of thermal excitation common to these processes are outlined and the results are used to illustrate the interdependence of the atom, electron and ion emission processes. The constraints imposed by this interdependence imply the existence of a natural limitation on vaporization lifetime for efficient operation using elementary emitter materials. This limitation is overcome by the use of emitters with an adsorbed layer of cesium and constraints imposed by the interdependence of the emission processes prescribe regions of efficient operation of these emitiers. Consideration of the basic processes occurring in the adsorbed layer permits semiquantitative evaluation of the relative merit of different materials for use as emitters and collectors. The effect of nonuniform surfaces is reviewed and work in progress to understand the nature and origin of the nonuniformities is discussed. Substantial improvement in converter performance and reproducibility is possible through the development of uniform and optimum electrode surfaces. (auth)

• Research Organization: Thermo Electron Engineering Corp., Waltham, Mass.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-039777
• OSTI ID: 4627926
• Journal Information: Proc. IEEE (Inst. Elec. Electron. Engrs.), Journal Name: Proc. IEEE (Inst. Elec. Electron. Engrs.) Vol. Vol: 51
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ADSORPTION
ATOMS
CESIUM
CONVERSION
ELECTRODES
ELECTRONS
EMISSION
EXCITATION
IONS
LAYERS
LIFETIME
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHYSICS
SURFACES
THERMIONICS
VAPORS