EVALUATION OF A MOLYBDENUM EMITTER, LOW VOLTAGE ARC THERMIONIC POWER CONVERTER. Quarterly Technical Progress Report No. 2

Technical Report · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962

OSTI ID:4720773

Baum, E A

Evaluation of Mo emitters for low voltage arc thermionic converters was continued. The objective was to define and minimize the life-limiting and degradation factors affecting the usefulness of the low-temperature Cs vapor converter. Work on the program was directed toward a life test evaluation of a state-of-the-art, planar Cs vapor thermionic converter. Research was continued on a technical specification for a state-of-the-art vapor converter utilizing a Mo cathode. Effort was directed toward the design and fabrication of life test equipment suitable for obtaining meaningful data on the state-of-the-art Cs vapor thermionic converter as well as the fabrication of devices for test, and toward completion of the life test equipment, initiation of life tests, and the acquisition of operational data. (auth) Available experimental data on nondeviative absorption and VLF propagation conditions in the twilight periods are reviewed. It is shown that there are no data to prove that the electron density is appreciably increased when the 60--90 kms altitude range is illuminated by near ultraviolet light but not by ionizing far ultraviolet radiation. Observations of the variation of auroral-type absorption show, on the contrary, that the photodetachment process does not increase the electron density within that height range by more than 10--20%. All observational results referable to the variation of nondeviative absorption and VLF propagation conditions over short distances during twilight periods may be comprehended in terms of 02 as the primary ion in the lowest ionosphere, provided the height distribution creased so that even the night profile has the value 1 at about 60 kms. 31 references. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Power Tube Dept., Schenectady, N.Y.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-024031
• OSTI ID: 4720773
• Report Number(s): AD-286711
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

CATHODES
CESIUM
CONVERSION
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
EMISSION
FABRICATION
LIFETIME
LOW TEMPERATURE
MOLYBDENUM
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PHYSICS
PLANNING
POWER
TESTING
THERMIONICS
VAPORS