Open AccessLow work function material development for the microminiature thermionic converter.
Author(s) -
Kevin R. Zavadil,
Corbett Chandler. Battaile,
Albert C. Marshall,
Donald B. King,
D. R. Jennison
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
osti oai (u.s. department of energy office of scientific and technical information)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/918773
Subject(s) - thermionic emission , converters , fabrication , work function , diode , work (physics) , cathode , electrode , materials science , engineering physics , electrical engineering , optoelectronics , mechanical engineering , nanotechnology , engineering , physics , voltage , electron , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , quantum mechanics , layer (electronics)
Thermionic energy conversion in a miniature format shows potential as a viable, high efficiency, micro to macro-scale power source. A microminiature thermionic converter (MTC) with inter-electrode spacings on the order of microns has been prototyped and evaluated at Sandia. The remaining enabling technology is the development of low work function materials and processes that can be integrated into these converters to increase power production at modest temperatures (800 - 1300 K). The electrode materials are not well understood and the electrode thermionic properties are highly sensitive to manufacturing processes. Advanced theoretical, modeling, and fabrication capabilities are required to achieve optimum performance for MTC diodes. This report describes the modeling and fabrication efforts performed to develop micro dispenser cathodes for use in the MTC
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