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Apparatus and method for operating a heaterless hollow cathode, and an electric space propulsion system employing such a cathode
Apparatus and method for operating a heaterless hollow cathode, and an electric space propulsion system employing such a cathode
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机译:用于操作无加热器空心阴极的设备和方法,以及采用这种阴极的电空间推进系统
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摘要
A heaterless hollow cathode provides electron emission current in an electric space propulsion system. A mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic design of the cathode apparatus is presented, and a method of operation for rapid ignition and stabilization of the cathode is provided. The keeper of the cathode apparatus has a thickness change which reduces the flow of heat away from the cathode's emitter assembly. The method for heating the emitter assembly includes controlling applied voltages so that the current flowing from the emitter assembly to the keeper is maintained at a predetermined fixed value. By this method, damage to the electron emitting surfaces of the emitter assembly by electric arcing and/or by depletion of dopant materials is avoided.
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