Influence of cyclic ignition and steady-state operation on a 1–2 A barium tungsten hollow cathode

Fufeng WANG; Tianhang MENG; Zhongxi NING; Ximing ZHU

doi:10.1088/2058-6272/ad7a57

Plasma Science and Technology > 2024 > 26(12): 125503. > DOI: 10.1088/2058-6272/ad7a57

Fufeng WANG, Tianhang MENG, Zhongxi NING, Ximing ZHU. Influence of cyclic ignition and steady-state operation on a 1–2 A barium tungsten hollow cathode[J]. Plasma Science and Technology, 2024, 26(12): 125503. DOI: 10.1088/2058-6272/ad7a57

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Influence of cyclic ignition and steady-state operation on a 1–2 A barium tungsten hollow cathode

Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, People’s Republic of China

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Author Bio:
Tianhang MENG: mengtianhang1989@163.com

Zhongxi NING: ningzx@hit.edu.cn
Corresponding author:
Tianhang MENG, mengtianhang1989@163.com

Zhongxi NING, ningzx@hit.edu.cn
Received Date: July 01, 2024
Revised Date: September 09, 2024
Accepted Date: September 11, 2024
Available Online: September 12, 2024
Published Date: November 03, 2024

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Booming low-power electric propulsion systems require 1–2 A hollow cathodes. Such cathodes are expected to go through more frequent ignitions in the low orbit, but the impact of cyclic ignitions on such 1–2 A barium tungsten hollow cathodes with a heater was not clear. In this study, a 12,638-cyclic ignition test and a 6,000-hour-long life test on two identical cathodes were carried out. The discharge voltage of the cathode and the erosion of the orifice after cyclic ignition were all larger than that of the cathode after stable operation. This indicated that the impact of cycle ignition on the discharge performance of a low current BaO-W cathode with a heater was higher than that of stable operation. The results of the ion energy distribution function measured during the ignition period indicated that the main reason for the orifice expansion was ion bombardment. Therefore, it was necessary to pay attention to the number of ignitions for the lifetime of this kind of cathode.
- hollow cathode,
- cyclic ignition,
- stable operation,
- orifice,
- ion bombardment

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Key Projects of School-enterprise Joint Fund (No. U22B20120) and the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (No. 52107141).

References (35)

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Influence of cyclic ignition and steady-state operation on a 1–2 A barium tungsten hollow cathode

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