The invention describes an electrode (1) for use in a lamp (3) comprising a quartz glass envelope (30) enclosing a chamber (31), which electrode (1) comprises a tip for extending into the chamber (31) and base for embedding in a sealed portion (33) of the quartz glass envelope (30), characterized in that the base comprises a plurality of essentially smooth concave channels (2) arranged around the body of the electrode (2) and wherein the depth (d.sub.ch) of a channel (2) is preferably at most 8 percent, more preferably at most 5 percent, most preferably at most 3 percent of a diameter (D.sub.e) of the electrode (2). The invention further describes a method of manufacturing an electrode (1) for use in a lamp (3) comprising a chamber (11) in a quartz glass envelope (30), which method comprises the step of removing material from the body of the electrode (1) to form a plurality of channels (2) around the body of the electrode such that a channel (2) comprises channel side walls (62) and an essentially concave channel floor (60), and such that depth (d.sub.ch) of a channel (2) is preferably at most 8 percent, more preferably at most 5 percent, most preferably at most 3 percent of a diameter (D.sub.e) of the electrode (2). The invention also describes a lamp (3) comprising such electrodes (1), and a method of manufacturing such a lamp (3).

Provided is an apparatus for sealing an arc-tube including a jig body including an electrode pin hole into which an end part of the electrode pin inserted into a bypass tube part of the arc-tube is inserted and a connection path connected with the electrode pin hole; and a pressurizing means inserted into the connection path to pressurize and fix the electrode pin positioned at the electrode pin hole. Therefore, the apparatus for sealing an arc-tube can more easily and stably fix the electrode pin during a sealing process.

In a photodetection unit 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, a photomultiplier 1 and a voltage divider board 132 are electrically connected to each other through a flexible wiring board 120, whereby the photomultiplier 1 can freely set its orientation and achieve a high degree of freedom of installation. In addition, in a voltage divider 130, an insulating resin 136 within a resin case 134 covers around the voltage divider board 132, thereby improving a voltage withstand performance of the voltage divider board 132. This eases restrictions on conditions under which the voltage divider board 132 is installed, whereby the degree of freedom of installation of the photodetection unit 100 is further improved as a whole, which makes it applicable to wider uses.

In a photodetection unit 100 according to one aspect of the present invention, a photomultiplier 1 and a voltage divider board 132 are electrically connected to each other through a flexible wiring board 120, whereby the photomultiplier 1 can freely set its orientation and achieve a high degree of freedom of installation. In addition, in a voltage divider 130, an insulating resin 136 within a resin case 134 covers around the voltage divider board 132, thereby improving a voltage withstand performance of the voltage divider board 132. This eases restrictions on conditions under which the voltage divider board 132 is installed, whereby the degree of freedom of installation of the photodetection unit 100 is further improved as a whole, which makes it applicable to wider uses.

A fluoroelastomer is formed by polymerizing a reaction mixture that comprises vinyl-functionalized silica cages, tetrafluoroethylene, a perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether, a curative, and a polymerization initiator. The fluoroelastomer has excellent chemical resistance and thermal resistance, and is suitable for use in plasma treatment systems in sealing applications. The fluoroelastomer has reduced particle formation as erosion occurs over time.

An energy converter system, preferably including one or more thermionic energy converters and optionally including an electrical power converter. A method of fabrication for an energy converter system, preferably including placing braze material, heating the system, and cooling the system. A method of operation for an energy converter system, preferably including providing a heat source, converting thermal energy to electrical energy, and providing one or more electrical energy outputs.

An energy converter system, preferably including one or more thermionic energy converters and optionally including an electrical power converter. A method of fabrication for an energy converter system, preferably including placing braze material, heating the system, and cooling the system. A method of operation for an energy converter system, preferably including providing a heat source, converting thermal energy to electrical energy, and providing one or more electrical energy outputs.

An energy converter system, preferably including one or more thermionic energy converters and optionally including an electrical power converter. A method of fabrication for an energy converter system, preferably including placing braze material, heating the system, and cooling the system. A method of operation for an energy converter system, preferably including providing a heat source, converting thermal energy to electrical energy, and providing one or more electrical energy outputs.

An energy converter system, preferably including one or more thermionic energy converters and optionally including an electrical power converter. A method of fabrication for an energy converter system, preferably including placing braze material, heating the system, and cooling the system. A method of operation for an energy converter system, preferably including providing a heat source, converting thermal energy to electrical energy, and providing one or more electrical energy outputs.