Claims
- 1. A thermionic emitter for providing positive ions comprising:
- a mixture of beta alumina and inert material,
- said beta alumina and inert material having portions thereof exposed on the surface of said mixture,
- said exposed inert material portions providing surface sites characterized by a high work function for the emission of positive ions, and
- means for heating said mixture to a predetermined temperature.
- 2. The thermionic emitter of claim 1 wherein said inert material is charcoal.
- 3. The thermionic emitter of claim 1 wherein said inert material is diatomaceous earth.
- 4. The thermionic emitter of claim 1 wherein said inert material is glass powder chips.
- 5. The thermionic emitter of claim 1 wherein said inert material is silica.
- 6. A thermionic emitter for providing positive ions comprising:
- beta-alumina material having an exposed surface,
- an inert material deposited on portions of said exposed surface of said beta-alumia to provide surface sites of inert material,
- said surface sites of inert material characterized by a high work function for the emission of positive ions, and
- means for heating said beta-alumina and said inert material to a predetermined temperature.
- 7. The thermionic emitter of claim 6 wherein said inert material is nickle.
- 8. The thermionic emitter of claim 6 wherein said inert material is a metal.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACT
The government has rights in this invention pursuant to contract no. DAAK11-82-C-0122 with the Department of the Army.
US Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
4774413 |
Okubo et al. |
Sep 1988 |
|
4783595 |
Seidl |
Nov 1988 |
|