Authors: Britt, E. J.; <Rasor Associates, Inc.> Date: 02-22-82 Classification: u Keywords: ground energy conversion and distribution, lasers Abstract: A novel concept known as a Thermo-Electronic Laser Energy Converter (TELEC) , has been studied as a method of converting a 10.6 micrometer CO'2 1 aser 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 1aser 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 30 cm active length. Laser supported plasma were produced in the TELEC device during a number of 1aser 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 1aser during this experiment. Title: Direct conversion of infared radiant energy for space power applications Source: Proceedings of the AFOSR Special Conference on Prime-Power for High Energy Space Systems, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, Feb. 22-25, 1982. (Pap er No. VI-10) Auth or s: F i n ke, R. ; Date: 02-22-82 Classification: u Keywords: space energy conversion, onboard power storage and distribution, Abstract: Conventional solar array and battery systems impose severe system design considerations and mass penalties on spacecraft, especially those desig n ed f or op er a t i on in 1ow earth or bits. The earth reradiates a preponderance of the solar energy it receives as ATTACHMENT : infrared radiation principally at 10 microns. A proposed technology to convert the earth radiant energy for spacecraft power is presented. The resultant system would eliminate energy storage requirements and simplify the spacecraft design. This effort is based on prior work which demonstrated conversion of R.F. energy to D.C. power at 10 cm wavelength with an efficiency of 857.. 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, Ri ce Un i versi ty, Houston, TX 77251> Dat e: 02-22-82 C1 assi f i cat ion: u Keywords: space energy conversion, lasers,
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