Lockheed Martin Corporation

Regina Mariko Sullivan

Frans Hendrik Ebersohn

Randall James Sovereign

Jonathon Robert Heinrich

Jonathan Robert Heinrich

In one embodiment, a system includes a cathode and a thermionic emitter installed at least partially within the cathode tube of the cathode. The thermionic emitter is in a shape of a hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinder includes an outer surface and an unsmooth inner surface. The outer surface is configured to contact an inner surface of the cathode tube. The unsmooth inner surface includes a plurality of structures that provide an increase in surface area over a smooth surface.

Emitter structures for enhanced thermionic emission

In one embodiment, a system includes a thermionic emitter and a heater at least partially surrounding the thermionic emitter. The heater is configured to heat the thermionic emitter. The heater includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of hollow insulating tubes that each run from the first end to the second end. The heater also includes a heater wire that runs through each of the hollow insulating tubes. The heater wire is configured to be resistively heated by an electrical current passed through the heater wire.

Growing community of inventors

Palmdale, CA, United States of America

Regina Mariko Sullivan