RESEARCH ON CESIUM VAPOR
Abstract
The results of an investigation into the absorp tion of resonance radiation in cesium vapor and the effect of resonance radiation on the ioniza tion processes in cesium vapor plasmas are re ported. A model for the dominant ionization processes in cesium vapor plasmas are reported. A model for the dominant ionization processes is proposed that appears to be applicable to the cesium pressure range and other conditions found in cesium vapor thermionic converters. It has been found that the atomic resonance absorption bandwidths at the 8521 Angstroms and 8943 Angstroms resonance lines are much greater than previously reported. A molecular absorption band near 7600 Angstroms was also observed which can contribute significantly to the energy input to a cesium vapor plasma. At high cesium pressure (greater than 0.3 mm Hg) and emitter temperatures (greater than 1800 K) the absorption of resonance radiation may be the most significant energy input into a cesium vapor thermionic converter plasma leading to the formation of the cesium molecular ion as the dominant ionic species in the plasma according to the relationship: Cs* Cs* (heat of formation Cs2) Cs2 e.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 14, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0414164
Entities
People
- A.o. Jensen
Organizations
- Xerox