Optimum Electrode Cavities for Thermionic Energy Converters

摘要

The diffusion coefficient of cesium ions in cesium plasma and the reflection coefficient of the ions from the plasma boundaries were measured using a three-collector thermionic diode. Based on these transport parameters, a cavity-collector diode was designed and constructed. The experimental data from this system indicates that the ions generated in the cavities diffuse to the surrounding regions and neutralize the electron space charge. This result is important to thermionic conversion since it shows the possibility of reducing electron scattering and the internal voltage drop needed for volume ionization. (Author)