Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable a Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell (NTAC) to capture gamma ray photons emitted during a fission process, such as a fission process of Uranium-235 (U-235), and to breed and use a new gamma ray source to increase an overall emission flux of gamma ray photons. Various embodiments combine a fission process with the production of Co-60, thereby boosting the output flux of gamma ray photons for use by a NTAC in generating power. Various embodiments combine a fission process with the production of Co-60, a NTAC generating avalanche cell power, and a thermoelectric generator generating thermoelectric power.

Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments enable a Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell (NTAC) to capture gamma ray photons emitted during a fission process, such as a fission process of Uranium-235 (U-235), and to breed and use a new gamma ray source to increase an overall emission flux of gamma ray photons. Various embodiments combine a fission process with the production of Co-60, thereby boosting the output flux of gamma ray photons for use by a NTAC in generating power. Various embodiments combine a fission process with the production of Co-60, a NTAC generating avalanche cell power, and a thermoelectric generator generating thermoelectric power.

Nuclear reactor cores and related systems are described herein. An example nuclear reactor core includes a plurality of fuel modules, where each of the plurality of fuel modules includes nuclear fuel; at least one fuel-module actuator mechanically coupled to at least one of the plurality of fuel modules, where the at least one fuel-module actuator is configured to rotate the at least one of the plurality of fuel modules; and at least one neutron source configured to emit neutrons and trigger a fission chain reaction in the at least one of the plurality of fuel modules.

Nuclear reactor cores and related systems are described herein. An example nuclear reactor core includes a plurality of fuel modules, where each of the plurality of fuel modules includes nuclear fuel; at least one fuel-module actuator mechanically coupled to at least one of the plurality of fuel modules, where the at least one fuel-module actuator is configured to rotate the at least one of the plurality of fuel modules; and at least one neutron source configured to emit neutrons and trigger a fission chain reaction in the at least one of the plurality of fuel modules.

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a power system utilizing a uranium-based reactor for space missions. For example, the power system may include a reactor configured to generate thermal energy using a uranium core. A plurality of heat pipes may be configured to transfer thermal energy from the reactor core to a plurality of Stirling engines to generate electricity for a spacecraft.

A vacuum micro-electronics device that utilizes fissile material capable of using the existing neutron leakage from the fuel assemblies of a nuclear reactor to produce thermal energy to power the heater/cathode element of the vacuum micro-electronics device and a self-powered detector emitter to produce the voltage/current necessary to power the anode/plate terminal of the vacuum micro-electronics device.

A structured plasma cell includes a first electrode including a first plurality of micro-cavities and a first plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the first plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes a second electrode including a second plurality of micro-cavities and a second plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the second plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes an inter-electrode gap disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

A structured plasma cell includes a first electrode including a first plurality of micro-cavities and a first plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the first plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes a second electrode including a second plurality of micro-cavities and a second plasma disposed within one or more micro-cavities of the second plurality of micro-cavities. The structured plasma cell also includes an inter-electrode gap disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Disclosed is a micro nuclear reactor that includes a core filled with nuclear fuel and moderator which are formed of particles, a heat pipe inserted in the core and transferring outwards heat generated by a nuclear reaction, and a power converter receiving heat from a condenser of the heat pipe and converting thermal energy into electrical energy.

Disclosed is a micro nuclear reactor that includes a core filled with nuclear fuel and moderator which are formed of particles, a heat pipe inserted in the core and transferring outwards heat generated by a nuclear reaction, and a power converter receiving heat from a condenser of the heat pipe and converting thermal energy into electrical energy.