Radiator and apparatus including the radiator

Abstract

A radiator 1 according to the present invention converts heat into electromagnetic waves and then radiates the electromagnetic waves through its surface. A number of microcavities are made in at least some areas on the surface, and the surface of the microcavities 2 is covered with a layer including tungsten that is bonded to carbon.

1 . A radiator for converting heat into electromagnetic waves and then radiating the electromagnetic waves through its surface, 
 wherein a plurality of microcavities are made in at least some areas of the surface, and    wherein the areas have a layer including tungsten and carbon.    
   
   
       2 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the layer including tungsten and carbon contains tungsten that is bonded to carbon.  
   
   
       3 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the microcavities make an array in at least those areas.  
   
   
       4 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein each of the microcavities is a recess with an inside diameter of 1 μm or less and a depth that is greater than the inside diameter.  
   
   
       5 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the microcavities are arranged regularly at a pitch of 2 μm or less.  
   
   
       6 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the microcavities are defined by gaps between a number of columnar members arranged.  
   
   
       7 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the radiator has a body that is made essentially of tungsten.  
   
   
       8 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the radiator is made essentially of tungsten carbide.  
   
   
       9 . The radiator of  claim 1 , wherein the radiator operates at a temperature of 2,000 K or more.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus comprising: 
 the radiator of  claim 1;     a container for shutting off the radiator from the air; and    energy supply means for supplying the radiator with energy and making the radiator emits electromagnetic waves.    
   
   
       11 . A thermoelectric converter comprising: 
 the radiator of  claim 1;     a container for shutting off the radiator from the air; and    a converter, which receives the electromagnetic waves that has been emitted from the radiator and converts the electromagnetic waves into electric energy,    wherein the thermoelectric converter supplies the radiator with energy, thereby making the radiator radiate the electromagnetic waves.    
   
   
       12 . A method of making a radiator that converts heat into electromagnetic waves and then radiates the electromagnetic waves through its surface, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a tungsten member;    making a plurality of microcavities in at least some areas on the surface of the tungsten member; and    carbonizing at least some of the areas on the surface of the tungsten member.    
   
   
       13 . A method of making a radiator that converts heat into electromagnetic waves and then radiates the electromagnetic waves through its surface, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a member that has a layer including tungsten and carbon in at least some areas on its surface; and    making a plurality of microcavities in at least those areas on the surface of the member.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the layer including tungsten and carbon contains tungsten that is bonded to carbon.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of making a plurality of microcavities includes making the microcavities by laser irradiation or sandblasting.  
   
   
       16 . A method of making a radiator that converts heat into electromagnetic waves and then radiates the electromagnetic waves through its surface, the method comprising the steps of: 
 providing a number of wires, each having a layer that includes tungsten and carbon in at least some areas on its surface; and    bundling the wires together, thereby making a plurality of microcavities in gaps between the wires.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the layer including tungsten and carbon contains tungsten that is bonded to carbon.