Patent ID: 6294858
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A microminiature thermionic converter comprising:a first substrate comprising a dielectric material;a second substrate comprising material selected from the group consisting of dielectric material and semiconductor material, the second substrate having a recess therein including at least one wall and a floor boundary, and the second substrate being positioned adjacent to the first substrate so that the recess opposes the first substrate:a first conductor disposed in the first substrate and having a substantially flat surface bearing a first coating, the substantially flat surface bearing a first coating and facing the recess; anda second conductor disposed in the second substrate and having a substantially flat surface bearing a second coating, the substantially flat surface bearing the second coating and extending from the floor boundary of the recess so that the surface of the first conductor and the surface of the second conductor are substantially parallel and opposite each other.