Optimization of the parameters of a Knudsen thermionic converter with Cs-Ba filling

The problem of optimizing the thermionic converter in a Knudsen regime is discussed. The potential distributions in the thermionic converters with surface ionization are investigated. Special attention is paid to the transfer region from the overcompencated to the under compensated regime. The optimization of the saturation current and comparison of the thermionic converter maximum current with the chaotic current in an equilibrium isothermal cavity are carried out. In optimizing capacity a generalized volt-ampere characteristic notion is introduced. This characteristic is used for the anode work function determination and output power calculation. The experimental data agree well with the calculation results and show high efficiency of the thermionic converter with Cs - Ba filling