Abstract: A novel concept known as a Thermo-Electronic Laser Energy Converter (TELEO, has been studied as a method of converting a 18.6 micrometer C0A2 laser beam into electric power. The calculated characteristics of a TELEC seem to well matched to the requirements of a spacecraft laser energy conversion system. ATTACHMENT : The TELEC is a high power density plasma device which absorbs an intense laser beam by inverse bremsstrahlung with the plasma electrons. In the TELEC process, electromagnetic radiation is absorbed directly in the plasma electrons producing a high electron temperature. The energetic electrons diffuse out of the plasma striking two electrodes which are in contact with the plasma at the boundaries. These two electrodes have different areas: the larger one is designated as an electron emitter to provide continuity of the current. Waste heat is rejected from the collector electrode. An experiment was carried out with a high power laser at Lewis Research Center using a cesium vapor TELEC cell with 38 cm active length. Laser supported plasma were produced in the TELEC device during a number of laser runs over a period of several days. Electric power from the TELEC was observed with currents in the range of several amperes and output potentials of less than 1 volt. The magnitudes of these electric outputs were smaller than anticipated but consistent with the power levels of the laser during this experiment. Title: The phototron: a light to R.F. energy conversion device Source: Proceedings of the AFOSR Special Conference on Prime Power for High Energy Space Systems, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, Feb. 22-25, 1982. (Paper No. VI-11) Authors: Freeman, John W.; Simons, Sedgwick; (Dept, of Space Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251> Keywords: space energy conversion, lasers, Abstract: The phototron is a photoelectric device that converts light to radio frequency energy. It is a vacuum tube, free electron, device that is mechanically similar to a reflex klystron with the hot filament cathode replaced by a large area photocathode. The device can operate either with an external ATTACHMENT : voltage source used to accelerate the photoelectrons or with zero bias voltage; in which case the photokinetic energy of the electrons sustains the R.F. oscillations in the tuned R.F. circuit. To date, we have tested one basic design of the phototron. We have obtained frequencies as high as about 1 GHz and an overall efficiency of about 1Z in the biased mode. In the unbiased mode, the frequencies of operation and efficiencies are considerably lower. Success with test model suggests that considerable improvements are possible through design refinements. One such design refinement is the reduction of the length of the electron flight path. Tests on such a reduced scale device are underway. Title: Radiation-driven MHD systems for space applications Source: Proceedings of the AFOSR Special Conference on Prime-Power for High Energy Space Systems, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, Feb. 22-25, 1982. (Paper No. VI-12) Authors: Lee, Ja H.; (Vanderbilt University> Jalufka, Nelson W.; (NASA Langley Research Center> Keywords: space energy conversion, onboard power storage and distribution, transportation, lasers, Abstract: High-power radiation such as concentrated solar or high-power laser radiation is considered as a driver for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) systems which could by developed for efficient power generation and propulsion in space. Eight different systems are conceivable since the MHD systems can be classified ATTACHMENT : in two: plasma and liquid-metal MHD's. Each of these systems is reviewed and solar- (or laser-) driven MHD thrusters are proposed. Title: Power from radiant-energy sources: an overview Source: Proceedings of the AFOSR Special Conference on Prime-Power for High Energy Space Systems, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, Feb. 22-25, 1982. (Paper No. VI-1) Authors: English, Robert E.; Brandhorst, Henry W., Jr.; (NASA - Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio> Keywords: space energy conversion, lasers, solar cells, microwaves, materials and coatings, nuclear, thermal control, Abstract: Radiations from the Sun, from microwaves and from lasers are assessed as energy sources for electric power in space. Recent advances in photovoltaic technology have improved the radiation resistance of silicon solar cells and substantially reduced their annealing temperature. Advances in GaAs arrays
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