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Status of thermoelectronic laser energy conversion, TELECA concept known as a thermo-electronic laser energy converter (TELEC), was studied as a method of converting a 10.6 micron CO2 laser beam into electric power. The calculated characteristics of a TELEC seem to be well matched to the requirements of a spacecraft laser energy conversion system. 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 the collector, the smaller one is designated as the emitter. The smaller electrode functions as an electron emitter provide continuity of the current. Waste heat is rejected from the collector electrode. An experiment was carried out with a high power laser using a cesium vapor TELEC cell with 30 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.
Document ID
19830007593
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Britt, E. J.
(Rasor Associates, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: R and D Associates Proc. of the AFOSR Spec. Conf. on Prime-Power for High Energy Space Systems, Vol. 2
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Accession Number
83N15864
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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