NOVELTY - A diamond-like carbon thermoelectric conversion device, comprises a cathode (25) having a base member (60) with a layer of diamond-like carbon material (preferably amorphous carbon) (5) coated over its portion; an intermediate member (55) electrically coupled to the diamond-like carbon material, where the intermediate member includes a dielectric material with a conductive material dispersed in it; and an anode (30) electrically coupled to the intermediate member opposite the diamond-like carbon material.    USE - For converting photonic or thermal energy into an electrical energy (claimed); useful as electrical generator (e.g. a solar cell) and cooling device.    ADVANTAGE - Diamond-like carbon based thermoelectric conversion devices have improved conversion efficiencies and increased reliability. Various additional layers and configurations can allow for improved performance such as multiple cathode layers and/or multiple intermediate layers. The thermoelectric conversion devices can be configured as an electrical generator and/or a cooling device and can be conveniently formed. The devices do not require formation of a vacuum space and are typically completely solid throughout. As a result, the devices are susceptible to mass production at reduced costs and have improved conversion efficiencies and reliability.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A diamond-like carbon thermoelectric conversion device, comprises a cathode (25) having a base member (60) with a layer of diamond-like carbon material (preferably amorphous carbon) (5) coated over its portion; an intermediate member (55) electrically coupled to the diamond-like carbon material, where the intermediate member includes a dielectric material with a conductive material dispersed in it; and an anode (30) electrically coupled to the intermediate member opposite the diamond-like carbon material. The conductive material is selected from metals, conductive ceramics, and/or carbon allotropes. The cathode and the second electrode are flexible. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for making a diamond-like carbon thermoelectric conversion device involving forming the layer of diamond-like carbon material on the cathode using a vapor deposition technique, where the diamond-like carbon material has an electron emission surface opposite the cathode; forming the intermediate member on the electron emission surface; and coupling the second electrode to the intermediate member opposite the cathode.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The figure shows a side view of a thermoelectric conversion device.    Layer of diamond-like carbon material (5)    Electron emission surface of carbon material (15)    Cathode (25)    Anode (30)    Intermediate member (55)    Base. (60)