THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AUXILIARY ELECTRODE THERMIONIC CONVERTER. Quarterly Technical Report No. 3

Research was continued in an effort to determine the feasibility and to demonstrate the practicality of a threeelectrode thermionic converter having the following characteristics: a third, positive ion-producing electrode, an efficiency of not less than 15%, an unattended life of not less than 1 year, and a maximum temperature of 1500 l K. Several experimental converter designs were fabricated and evaluated. Refinements in geometry and processes were tested to achieve more dependable design criteria with the greatest emphasis directed toward the improvement in Cs purity. Materials investigations completed the Cs compatibility data for the initial materials selected and a comprehensive report is included. (auth)