The paper presents results of investigation of electric output of four single-cell cylindrical thermionic converters (TIC) in the cesium plasma mode with the interelectrode spacing ranging from 0.3 to 0.8 mm.
For comparison purposes, electric output parameters are presented for four TIC using identical electrode materials.
Cylindrical emitter assemblies of these converters were formed with a technique of epitaxial vapor deposition of tungsten on cylindrical molybdenum substrates with axial orientation [III], with the deposit being self-cut by planes (110). The vacuum work function of the surface was up to 5.3 eV on the average.
A molybdenum-ruthenium alloy was used as a collector material.
In addition, the effect of the vacuum work function of the emitter on the cylindrical TIC electric output was evaluated.