Thermionic vacuum diode device with adjustable electrodes
AssigneeBoreaiis Technical Limited
InventorsAvto Tavkhelidze, Jonathan S. Edelson
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Abstract
Diode devices are disclosed in which the separation of the electrodes is set and controlled using piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. This avoids problems associated with electrode spacing changing or distorting as a result of heat stress. In addition it allows the operation of these devices at electrode separations which permit quantum electron tunneling between them. Pairs of electrodes whose surfaces replicate each other are also disclosed. These may be used in constructing devices with very close electrode spacings.
Claims50
Apparatus for the conversion of energy comprising:
- a) a source of energy;
- b) an emitter electrode connected to said source of energy;
- c) a collector electrode,
- d) an electrical circuit connecting said electrodes;
- and
- e) manipulating means for controlling the distance separating said electrodes, connected to either or both of said electrodes;
- wherein said emitter electrode and said collector electrode each comprise a surface for positioning facing the other, wherein said surfaces are substantially flat and wherein minor topographical features of said emitter electrode surface match topographical feature of said collector electrode surface.
Apparatus for the conversion of energy, comprising,
- a) a source of energy for promoting electron tunneling, and,
- b) an emitter electrode, connected to said source of energy, and,
- c) a collector electrode, positioned sufficiently close to said emitter electrode for electrons to tunnel from the emitter electrode to the collector electrode, and,
- d) electrical circuit means, connected to said electrodes, for the circulation of electrons, and,
- e) manipulating means for controlling the relative electrode positioning, connected to one or both of said electrodes, and
- f) housing means for said apparatus, and
- g) thermally conductive metal powder connected to said collector electrode for the transferal of thermal energy, and
- h) an extendable depository for said metal powder, for providing room for the metal powder as the collector electrode is moved to the area previously occupied by the metal powder.
A thermal insulator for thermally insulating two surface from one another, wherein said surfaces am substantially flat and wherein minor topographical feature of one surface match topographical features of the other surface, comprising an inert gas enclosed in a gap of between 1 and 100 angstroms thickness between said two surfaces, and further comprising a manipulating means selected from the group consisting of electroactive, magnetostrictive, electrostrictive, and piezo-electric means, wherein the manipulating means is connected to one or both of said surfaces and is for controlling the distance of the surfaces from one another.
A first and a second electrode for use in a thermionic diode device, each electrode having a surface for positioning facing the other electrode, wherein said surfaces are substantially flat and wherein minor topographical features of one electrode surface match topographical features of the other electrode surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.