EMITTER-COLLECTOR PAIRS FOR GAS PLASMA THERMIONIC ENERGY CONVERSION.
Abstract
It was demonstrated that thermionic energy conversion can be accomplished in a converter consisting of emitter, collector, and auxiliary electrode operating in an inert gas. Twelve different rare earth emitters were evaluated for zero field vacuum emission characteristics. Using W and Gd203 as prime constituents, four different emitter fabrication methods were evaluated. Zero field pulse emission from Gd203 in a tungsten helix was measured at 9.6 amps/sq cm at 1450 C. A collector work function of 1.0 ev was attained by a nickel collector coated with 200 A of Al203 and evaporated barium. A collector work function of 0.9 ev was attained by a nickel collector coated cataphoretically with 20 microns of Gd203 and evaporated barium. A method for measuring collector work functions be means of electron absorption was developed and proven. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0601256
Entities
People
- R. Engdahl