A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

A photocathode assembly may include: a reflective substrate; an enhancement layer on the reflective substrate; and a photosensitive film on the enhancement layer, wherein the enhancement layer has a thickness of about 10 nm or less.

A photocathode assembly may include: a reflective substrate; an enhancement layer on the reflective substrate; and a photosensitive film on the enhancement layer, wherein the enhancement layer has a thickness of about 10 nm or less.

A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

A solar generator can include a photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator with a cathode to receive solar radiation. The photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator can include an anode that in conjunction with the cathode generates a first current and waste heat from the solar radiation. A thermoelectric generator can be thermally coupled to the anode and can convert the waste heat from the anode into a second current. A circuit can connect to the photon-enhanced thermionic emission generator and to the thermoelectric generator and can combine the first and the second currents into an output current.

The invention discloses a photocathode comprising an amorphous substrate such as a glass substrate (110) presenting an input face that will receive incident photons and a back face opposite the front face. Nanowires (120) made from at least one III-V semiconducting material are deposited on the back face of the substrate and extend from this face in a direction away from the front face. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a photocathode by MBE.

A photocathode can include a body fabricated of a wide bandgap semiconductor material, a metal layer, and an alkali halide photocathode emitter. The body may have a thickness of less than 100 nm and the alkali halide photocathode may have a thickness less than 10 nm. The photocathode can be illuminated with a dual wavelength scheme.

A photocathode can include a body fabricated of a wide bandgap semiconductor material, a metal layer, and an alkali halide photocathode emitter. The body may have a thickness of less than 100 nm and the alkali halide photocathode may have a thickness less than 10 nm. The photocathode can be illuminated with a dual wavelength scheme.

One or more pellicles protect a cathode, the pellicles comprised of a thin layer of material that allows electrons to pass while preventing contamination of the cathode from elements originating beyond the pellicle or contamination of an outside apparatus from elements originating on or near the cathode. The pellicle can be supported by an insulator, the insulator in turn supported by a deflecting layer. The pellicle can be maintained at a positive voltage relative to the cathode, such that a voltage gradient is created between the cathode and the pellicle that accelerates electrons emitted by the cathode away from the cathode. The pellicle is located at an appropriate distance from the cathode to allow electron transmission matching the energy of the electrons at that distance.

Disclosed herein is a method comprising: emitting electrons from an electron ejector in response to an incident photon; driving the electrons through a hole toward a detector configured to collect the electrons and provide an output signal representative of the incident photon; driving the electrons away from sidewalls of the hole, using an electric field.