KRYPTON FILLED THERMIONIC CONVERTER.

Abstract

Exploratory research work on irradiated inert gasfilled thermionic diodes. Tubes containing xenon and krypton have been tested in the radiation field of a 5-megawatt swimming pool type reactor, and cathode current outputs in the range of 1 ampere/sq. cm. have been obtained. Early breakdown effects have been observed in irradiated xenon-filled diodes at voltages as low as 0.3 volt, and this effect appears to be dependent on cathode-anode spacing and pressure. At radiation dosages between 10 to the 8th-10 to the 9th rads/ hr, the current output of inert gas-filled thermionic diodes increases approximatley linearly with radiation dosage. Experiments to increase output in the power quadrant of the thermionic diode, used as a converter, by the design of low anode work function tubes are also described. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0420837

Entities

People

  • R. Forman

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Converters
  • Quadrants
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Effects
  • Swimming
  • Thermionic Converters
  • Work Functions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster