| 摘要 |
Techniques are provided for emission of an electron current from an electrode and converting energy released by nuclear decay to useful electrical work. An electrode assembly is provided which includes an emitter material and a radioactive source such that nuclear decay from the radioactive source causes or enhances electron emission from the electrode. A thermoelectron energy converter is provided which includes an emitter electrode, a radioactive source in the vicinity of the emitter electrode, a collector electrode, an enclosure, and electrical leads. Nuclear decay from the radioactive source causes or enhances electron emission from the emitter electrode. The electrons emitted from the emitter electrode travel to the collector electrode and can be driven through an external circuit, outputting electrical power. |
