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U.S. Department of Energy
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INVESTIGATION OF CAPILLARY EMITTER THERMIONIC CONVERTERS

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4652130
A random current theoretical model is formulated to describe the emission of ions and electrons from a capillary thermionic emitter. Extensive experimental results from monocapillary and multicapillary devices are shown to be in good agreement with the theory. Practical power densities of 5 to 15 watts/ cm/sup 2/ were obtained between 1900 and 2100 deg K. A modified capillary emitter in which no cesium flow is required was also investigated and found to agree with the random current model. Ion current measurements, high frequency oscillations, and spectroscopic data are used to interpret the operating conditions of the capillary emitter. Technology developments are reported on the subjects of emitter fabrication and chemical vapor deposition. (auth)
Research Organization:
General Motors Corp. Allison Div., Indianapolis
NSA Number:
NSA-17-039710
OSTI ID:
4652130
Report Number(s):
ASD-TDR-63-865
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English