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SPACE CHARGE NEUTRALIZATION IN THERMIONIC DIODES CONTAINING FISSION PRODUCT KRYPTON

Journal Article · · Advanced Energy Conversion
Currents in high-pressure (1-300 mm) inert gas diodes at filament temperatures around 3000 deg K are known to exceed those predicted by space charge limitations, perhaps due to thermal ionization. The possibility of achieving the same effect at lower temperatures by using a radioactive source as the ionizing medium was examined since calculations also showed that enough positive ions might be produced for space charge neutralization. Characteristics of cylindrical diodes with vacuum, natural Kr, and fissionproduct Kr and using Ta anodes with oxide cathode and thoriated-W filaments were studied. The thoriated- W diode filled with fission-product Kr showed current-voltage characteristics not predicted by space charge limitations, and the diodes containing fission-product Kr displayed negative resistance in the current-voltage characteristics. (D.C.W.)
Research Organization:
Union Carbide Corp., Parma, Ohio
NSA Number:
NSA-17-027986
OSTI ID:
4703796
Journal Information:
Advanced Energy Conversion, Journal Name: Advanced Energy Conversion Vol. Vol: 3
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English

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