Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronic devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronic device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronic device includes an electrode that defines discrete support structures therein. A first film layer is disposed on the electrode about a periphery of the electrode and on the support structures. A second film layer is disposed on the first film layer. The second film layer includes electrically conductive grid lines patterned therein that are supported by and suspended between the support structures.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include combined heating and power modules and combined heat and power devices. In an illustrative embodiment, a combined heat and power device includes a heating system including: at least one burner; at least one igniter configured to ignite the at least one burner; a fluid motivator assembly including an electrically powered prime mover; and a heat exchanger fluidly couplable to the fluid motivator assembly. At least one thermionic energy converter has a hot shell and a cold shell, the hot shell being thermally couplable to the at least one burner, the cold shell being thermally couplable to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include combined heating and power modules and combined heat and power devices. In an illustrative embodiment, a combined heat and power device includes a heating system including: at least one burner; at least one igniter configured to ignite the at least one burner; a fluid motivator assembly including an electrically powered prime mover; and a heat exchanger fluidly couplable to the fluid motivator assembly. At least one thermionic energy converter has a hot shell and a cold shell, the hot shell being thermally couplable to the at least one burner, the cold shell being thermally couplable to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronics devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronics device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronics device includes: an electrode; a plurality of grid supports disposed on the electrode, each of the plurality of grid supports having a first width; and a plurality of grid lines, each of the plurality of grid lines being supported on an associated one of the plurality of grid supports, each of the plurality of grid lines having a second width that is wider than the first width.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronic devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronic device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronic device includes an electrode that defines discrete support structures therein. A first film layer is disposed on the electrode about a periphery of the electrode and on the support structures. A second film layer is disposed on the first film layer. The second film layer includes electrically conductive grid lines patterned therein that are supported by and suspended between the support structures.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include cathodes with conformal cathode surfaces, vacuum electronic devices with cathodes with conformal cathode surfaces, and methods of manufacturing the same. In a non-limiting embodiment, a cathode for a vacuum electronic device includes: a substrate having a predetermined shape; and electron emissive material disposed on at least one portion of at least one surface of the substrate, a shape of the electron emissive material conforming to the predetermined shape of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronic devices, methods of operating a vacuum electronic device, and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronic device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronics device includes a cathode and an anode. At least one focus grid is disposed between the cathode and the anode, and the at least one focus grid is physically disconnected from the cathode. The at least one acceleration grid is disposed between the cathode and the anode, and the at least one acceleration grid is further disposed adjacent the at least one focus grid. The at least one acceleration grid is physically disconnected from the cathode.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronics devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronics device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronics device includes: an electrode; a first film layer disposed on the electrode about a periphery of the electrode; and a second film layer disposed on the first film layer, the second film layer including a plurality of electrically conductive grid lines patterned therein that are supported only at the periphery of the electrode by the first film layer.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronics devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronics device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronics device includes: an electrode; a first film layer disposed on the electrode about a periphery of the electrode; and a second film layer disposed on the first film layer, the second film layer including a plurality of electrically conductive grid lines patterned therein that are supported only at the periphery of the electrode by the first film layer.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronics devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronics device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronics device includes: an electrode; a plurality of grid supports disposed on the electrode, each of the plurality of grid supports having a first width; and a plurality of grid lines, each of the plurality of grid lines being supported on an associated one of the plurality of grid supports, each of the plurality of grid lines having a second width that is wider than the first width.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include vacuum electronics devices and methods of fabricating a vacuum electronics device. In a non-limiting embodiment, a vacuum electronics device includes: an electrode; a first film layer disposed on the electrode about a periphery of the electrode; and a second film layer disposed on the first film layer, the second film layer including a plurality of electrically conductive grid lines patterned therein that are supported only at the periphery of the electrode by the first film layer.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include conductive oxide-coated electrodes and methods of fabricating a conductive oxide-coated electrode. In a non-limiting embodiment, a conductive oxide-coated electrode includes: a conductive layer; and an oxide coating disposed on the conductive layer. In another non-limiting embodiment, a method of fabricating a conductive oxide-coated electrode includes: patterning a conductive layer; etching the patterned conductive layer; and disposing an oxide coating on the etched conductive layer.