Abstract: There is a need to produce electric power by means that provide low pollution and high efficiency. Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) systems enable the direct conversion of energy from thermal to electric, based on the emission of electrons from a heated cathode, Diamond is an ideal material for the cathode because of its high temperature mechanical stability, its ability to be created with low resistivity, and its strong tendency to emit electrons. The efficiency of current TEC systems is not practical, as above approximately 700° C. the current produced decreases. The presence of hydrogen at the electron-emitting surface is required to enhance thermionic emission. The present invention provides a resupply of hydrogen to the emitting surface by diffusion of hydrogen through the diamond cathode, and enables efficient operation of TEC systems at temperatures well above the current limit; practical systems for direct conversion of heat to electricity are thus enabled.

Abstract: There is a need to produce electric power by means that provide low pollution and high efficiency. Thermionic energy conversion (TEC) systems enable the direct conversion of energy from thermal to electric, based on the emission of electrons from a heated cathode, Diamond is an ideal material for the cathode because of its high temperature mechanical stability, its ability to be created with low resistivity, and its strong tendency to emit electrons. The efficiency of current TEC systems is not practical, as above approximately 700° C. the current produced decreases. The presence of hydrogen at the electron-emitting surface is required to enhance thermionic emission.

Abstract: A composite comprising at least one diamond/polymer brush and a method of making the composite comprising covalently bonding at least one polymer to said diamond surface.

Abstract: A composite comprising at least one diamond/polymer brush and a method of making the composite comprising covalently bonding at least one polymer to said diamond surface.

Abstract: A heat transfer composition and methods for using same to transfer heat in a transformer. In one embodiment, a heat transfer composition has soy-based oil, an additive comprising a nano-particle size diamond powder characterized by a first mass, and a chemical agent characterized by a second mass, wherein the ratio of the second mass to the first mass is greater than one.

Abstract: Diamond microtip field emitters are used in triode vacuum microelectronic devices, sensors and displays. Diamond triode devices having integral anode and grid structures can be fabricated. Ultra-sharp tips are formed on the emitters in a fabrication process in which diamond is deposited into mold cavities in a two-step deposition sequence. During deposition of the diamond, the carbon graphite content is carefully controlled to enhance emission performance. The tips or the emitters are treated by post-fabrication processes to further enhance performance.

Abstract: A heat transfer composition and methods for using same to transfer heat in a transformer. In one embodiment, a heat transfer composition has soy-based oil, an additive comprising a nano-particle size diamond powder characterized by a first mass, and a chemical agent characterized by a second mass, wherein the ratio of the second mass to the first mass is greater than one.

Abstract: A heat transfer composition and methods for using same to transfer heat in a transformer. In one embodiment, a heat transfer composition has soy-based oil, an additive comprising a nano-particle size diamond powder characterized by a first mass, and a chemical agent characterized by a second mass, wherein the ratio of the second mass to the first mass is greater than one.

Abstract: The transmission cathode for X-ray generation is a device wherein an electrical current generated by a low voltage power supply produces an electron flow from the transmission cathode that is accelerated by a high voltage power supply towards an anode where X rays are emitted on impact. As the X rays are emitted, a primary beam passes through the cathode striking a sample placed outside the tube. The transmission cathode is X comprised of an electron emitter structure, preferably, an electron field emitter diode or thermionic emitter or a photoemitter or a nanotube or a pyroemitter or a piezoemitter, fabricated, preferably of elements of atomic numbers of 14 (silicon) or below, with electrically conductive components or conductive mechanical structural components, preferably, conductive silicon or diamond or aluminum or beryllium metal, and non-conductive electrical insulators or non-conductive mechanical structural components, preferably, diamond or silicon dioxide or boron carbide.

Abstract: Capacitor structure capable of achieving increased energy storage density is disclosed together with a fabrication sequence for the capacitor and its anodic oxide dielectric material. Soft porous aluminum oxide which has been formed in a first anodization step and has been densified or transformed to hard barrier oxide in a second anodization step is preferred for the capacitor dielectric material. The first anodization may be performed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte while the second anodization may be performed in a boric acid electrolyte. The boric acid may be diluted with ethylene glycol. The disclosed capacitor is fabricated on a silicon wafer substrate.

Abstract: A metallic oxide such as aluminum oxide of significantly improved electrical properties is disclosed. The method of oxide formation includes a combination of soft porous anodization followed by transformation to a hard barrier form of oxide using inter alia low temperature electrolytes, constant voltage anodizing, and timely rate of current change responsive termination of the anodizing process. Use of the resulting oxide in electrical insulation, optic and other environments is contemplated.

Abstract: A miniature, solid state, cantilever beam accelerometer is constructed with an arrangement of strain sensing elements which provides for simpler temperature compensation, dual-axis acceleration measurement, and the capability of correcting for nonlinearity in a strain sensing element. Temperature compensation is facilitated by locating two strain sensing elements on the cantilever beam and two on the main body of the accelerometer and connecting the four elements in a Wheatstone bridge. Instead of a single bridge, two half bridges may be formed to allow for independent adjustment of each side of the Wheatstone bridge. Independent adjustment is also possible by using two full bridges with all strain sensing elements oriented in the same direction. If the elements of one bridge are oriented in an orthogonal direction, the accelerometer is capable of measuring both on-axis and off-axis accelerations.