Solar heated thermionic generators

The advantages of solar thermionic generators for use in space power systems are described. A cubical cavity generator consisting of five (5) planar diodes connected in series can meet the requirements of a space type generator. The design features that a thermionic diode must incorporate are discussed. A developed prototype is described as an example. This prototype was used to fabricate a cubical generator which was electrically tested. The generator design, the laboratory simulation of solar heating by electron bombardment techniques, and the results of the electrical tests are also discussed.