Emitter of thermionic energy converter by dual ion-beam-sputtering technique

DIBS (dual ion-beam-sputtering) deposition is good technique for surface modification. Sputtering of metal with simultaneous irradiation of ions made films. We show that crystalline structure of films is dependent on irradiation ions. For this application, we made emitter materials of thermionic energy converter. A thermionic energy converter consists of two refractory metal electrodes facing closely each other, which is a device that converts heat energy into electrical energy directly by utilizing the thermionic emission of electrons. We have proposed the grooved emitter type hybrid mode model of the cesium vapor thermionic energy converter. This paper reports on the performance characteristics of the effective work function in cesium vapor for several refractory metals (Mo, Nb, Ir, Pt), and the fabrication of (100) crystalline molybdenum films deposited by using the dual ion-beam-sputtering methods. The work function of this material is suitable for the grooved parts of the hybrid mode model. (author)