Abstract: Abstract : Thermionic conversion of fission heat using cesium vapor diodes offers promise as an electrical power source for space vehicles. Research and development work on cesium vapor diodes is reported, as well as a state-of-the-art survey andAN EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY. Experimental and/or theoretical results are given in the following areas: effect of gas adsorption on the emission from cesiated tungsten; plasma oscillations; thermal conductivity of cesium vapor; electron scattering in cesium vapor; effect of varying cesium pressure, cathode temperature, and spacing in a cesium cell; and construction techniques and materials problems. The use of plasma oscillations to generate alternating current is discussed briefly and an analysis showing that the use of hybrid thermionic-thermoelectric systems in space is not favorable, is shown. (Author)
Publication Year: 1961
Publication Date: 1961-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
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