GB1173606A - Charge Diffusion Systems. - Google Patents

Abstract

1,173,606. Utilizing energy of radiators. GOURDINE SYSTEMS Inc. 3 Nov., 1966 [8 Nov., 1965], No. 28381/69. Divided out of 1,173,605. 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 59 by producing an asymmetry in the space-charge sheaths surrounding the two electrodes 52, 56 immersed in it; the asymmetry is produced by arranging the electrodes so that they have mutually orthogonal surfaces, e.g. cylinder 52 and endplates 56, and subjecting the medium to a magnetic field in a direction such as to inhibit the diffusion of charge carriers in a direction normal to only one of them, i.e. 52. It is shown that the difference between the random electron current density parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field causes a difference in the depths of the sheaths at the respective electrodes and causes a net current to flow. The whole device is isothermal, the filling being, e.g. caesium, and the the temperature range 800-1300‹ C. Contact ionization need not be present and the thermionic emission of the electrodes plays no part in the mechanism. The envelope 50 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>. The magnet 62 may be superconductive or permanent. A number of cells may be connected in parallel by forming a number of bores in a slab and closing the ends by insulated sheets, 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.