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Thermionic converter
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<p>A thermionic converter consists of a hot electrode which <a href="/facts/Thermionic_emission/3oujvv1U">thermionically emits</a> <a href="/facts/Electron/L0KBo5cW">electrons</a> over a potential <a href="/facts/Activation_energy/GqkgPvo0">energy barrier</a> to a cooler electrode, producing a useful electric power output. <a href="/facts/Caesium/dXKN1S5k">Caesium</a> vapor is used to optimize the electrode <a href="/facts/Work_function/VHaHTyXg">work functions</a> and provide an <a href="/facts/Ion/3bePpDna">ion</a> supply (by <a href="/facts/Surface_ionization/UJnkjDtQ">surface ionization</a> or <a href="/facts/Electron_impact_ionization/rTJKHm5z">electron impact ionization</a> in a plasma) to neutralize the electron <a href="/facts/Space_charge/jSLgHevl">space charge</a>. </p>