The Plasma Physics of Thermionic Converters
- 1 August 1967
- journal article
- Published by AIP Publishing in Journal of Applied Physics
- Vol. 38 (9) , 3425-3438
- https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1710144
Abstract
The plasma physics of thermionic converters is discussed in an attempt to develop a coherent physical picture of this aspect of the converter in all regions of operation. Emphasis is placed on the presentation of simple physical models consistent with experimental data: The usefulness of certain characteristic features of the I–V curve, in determining the physical processes governing converter operation, is pointed out. Nine regions of converter operation are identified by these features of the I–V curve and are discussed. The importance of two parameters of converter operation, the pressure—spacing product pd, and the relative amount of emitter-surface ion generation β, in controlling converter behavior is emphasized. The particular values of pd and β control which of the nine regions of converter operation appear on a particular I–V curve.This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit:
- Transport Effects in the Electron-Rich Unignited Mode of Cesium DiodesJournal of Applied Physics, 1967
- Thermionic Converters Operating in the Ignited Mode. Part II: A Quasi-Equilibrium Model for the Interelectrode PlasmaJournal of Applied Physics, 1966
- Correlation of Emission Processes for Adsorbed Alkali Films on Metal SurfacesJournal of Applied Physics, 1964
- Adsorption physics of metallic surfaces partially covered by metallic particles. I atom and ion desorption energiesSurface Science, 1964