An advanced thermionic theory has been developed that focuses on the correct method for incorporating electron reflection when predicting net currents and voltages in vacuum type thermionic diodes. The theory, now complete for vacuum diodes, includes revised equations for predicting net currents, space charge, internal and external electron spectra, and electron cooling. More recently, the theory was extended to include inhomogeneous (patchy) electrode surfaces. The new theory has been used successfully to predict current-voltage curves for Microminiature Thermionic Converter (MTC) diodes. The new theory suggests that the MTC electrodes, at this stage of development, are very patchy and probably exhibit quantum reflection by a dipole on the electrode surface. The excellent agreement of the new theory (and poor agreement of the original theory) with MTC measured performance supports the validity of the revised theory.


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    Title :

    Application of revised thermionic theory to MTC diodes


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Space Technology and Applications International Forum - 2001 ; 2001 ; Albuquerque, New Mexico


    Published in:

    AIP Conference Proceedings ; 552 , 1 ; 1158-1164


    Publication date :

    2001-02-02


    Size :

    7 pages





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



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