GB1173605A - Charge Diffusion Systems. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,173,605. Utilizing energy of radiators. GOURDINE SYSTEMS Inc. 3 Nov., 1966 [8 Nov., 1965], No. 49393/66. Heading G6P. [Also in Division H1] A plasma formed by thermal ionization of a static medium is used to produce an electric current through a load 16 by producing an asymmetry in the space-charge sheaths surrounding the two electrodes 11, 12 immersed in it; the asymmetry is produced by using electrodes of different work function, e.g. W and Ta (or Mo) so-that they have different emissions at the same temperature, and it is shown that the differing depths of the sheath caused by the differing emissions causes a net current flow. The whole device is isothermal, the filling being, e.g. caesium, and the temperature range 800- 1300‹ C. Contact ionization need not be present. The envelope 10 is of refractory material such as boron nitride, beryllia or alumina, and the electrodes are screwed into the ends as shown. The source of heat may be external, e.g. rocket or turbo-jet exhaust, or solar rays introduced through a lens aperture in the envelope; or internal, e.g. radio-active PO<SP>210</SP>. Disturbance by thermo-electric voltages may be avoided by making the leads of the same material as one of the electrodes. A number of cells may be joined in series with adjacent electrodes in contact, Fig. 3 (not shown). Semi-conductor devices.-it is stated that the plasma may be replaced by an n-type semiconductor such as germanium; the mechanism remaining the same. The working temperature in this case may be 600‹ C.