Thermionic emitter and method of manufacture thereof.

摘要

A thermionic emitter for providing positive ions incorporates a mixture of beta-alumina and inert material, such as charcoal, positioned on a filament for heating the mixture. Alternately, the emitter may incorporate beta-alumina with inert material, such as nickle, deposited in selected areas. As a result, the thermionic emitter overcomes the problem of generating positive ions with low power consumption. <IMAGE>