THE CESIUM VAPOR THERMIONIC CONVERTER. I. LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY EMISSION PROCESSES

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962 · Advan. Energy Conversion

OSTI ID:4729255

Rasor, N S

Performance limits imposed on the thermionic converter by the emission of electrons, ions, atoms, and photons are analytically defined, and their relative importance is appraised. Comparison of the analytical results with experimentally observed performance indicates that emission processes largely determine the required operating temperatures and cesium pressures in cesium diode converters. The performance characteristics and relative usefulness of various classes of emitter materials is estimated, leading to the conclusion that high work function refractory metals with adsorbed cesium have the greatest general utility. Criteria for the choice of emitter materials giving maximum efficiency at a given emitter temperature and spacing in the cesium diode converter are given, as well as relations permitting the choice of compatible emitter and ionizer materials in the surface ionization triode. (auth)

• Research Organization: Atomics International, Canoga Park, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-020622
• OSTI ID: 4729255
• Journal Information: Advan. Energy Conversion, Journal Name: Advan. Energy Conversion Vol. Vol: 2
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ADSORPTION
ATOMS
CESIUM
CONVERSION
DIODES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRON TUBES
ELECTRONS
EMISSION
IONIZATION
IONS
METALS
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PERFORMANCE
PHOTONS
PHYSICS
PRESSURE
SURFACES
TEMPERATURE
THERMIONICS
TRIODES
VAPORS