Patent ID: 6411007
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: G21H

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing microminiature thermionic converters comprising the steps of:depositing a first electrode layer comprising a first material selected from the group consisting of BaO, SrO, CaO, Sc2O3, other oxides, and a mixture of BaSrCaO, Sc2O3 and metal, and any combinations thereof, and having a first work function; depositing a dielectric oxide spacer layer; depositing a second electrode layer comprising a second material selected from the group consisting of BaO, SrO, CaO, Sc2O3, other oxides, and a mixture of BaSrCaO, Sc2O3 and metal; and any combinations thereof having a second work function that is different from the first work function; and removing matter from the dielectric oxide spacer layer thereby forming an interelectrode gap.