The effect of Schottky barrier lowering and nonplanar emitter geometry on the performance of a thermionic energy converter

J. R. Smith, R. J. Nemanich, G. L. Bilbro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

An extension of the classical model of thermionic emission was developed to include the effects of nonplanar emitter surfaces and Schottky barrier lowering (SBL) on the output of a thermionic energy converter (TEC). Nonplanar emitter geometries along with Schottky barrier lowering may be useful in increasing both the maximum output power and output current of a thermionic energy converter. The finite element method was used to calculate the enhanced normal electric field at the surface of an emitter coated with an ultra-nanocrystalline diamond (UNCD) film and patterned with field enhancing tips. The result was used to determine the local enhanced output current and power. For the geometries considered the increased surface area of the emitter plays a significant role in increasing the output power and output current. Moreover, a calculation of the single electron time of flight shows that electrons traveling through a field enhanced region of the interelectrode space might spend half as long in transit, thus helping to mitigate the negative space charge effect that degrades the performance of vacuum TECs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)870-874
Number of pages5
JournalDiamond and Related Materials
Volume15
Issue number4-8
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Diamond properties and applications
  • Field enhancement
  • Schottky barrier lowering
  • Thermionic energy conversion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Chemistry
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effect of Schottky barrier lowering and nonplanar emitter geometry on the performance of a thermionic energy converter'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this