Speaker
Description
Plasma cathodes can be used as electron sources in electric propulsion applications. Unlike hollow cathodes where a low work function insert material that needs to be heated to elevated temperature is utilized for the electron emission, plasma cathodes do not need to be preheated, and could be switched on instantaneously. Recently, at Bogazici University Space Technologies Laboratory (BUSTLab), radio frequency (RF) plasma cathode devices for use as electron sources of plasma thrusters have been studied, manufactured and successfully tested [1]. Introduction of a ferromagnetic cores enhances the power transfer efficiency of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP), allowing the elimination of a matching network [2]. In this paper we present the design, manufacture and test of a prototype radio-frequency cathode with ferrite core for use in space propulsion applications as an electron source. The matching effectiveness, the power efficiency and propellant utilization of the developed ferrite core RF cathode device have been studied.
References
[1] Jahanbakhsh, S.; Satir, M.; Celik, M., "Study of electron current extraction from a radio frequency plasma cathode designed as a neutralizer for ion source applications," Rev. Sci. Instrum. 87 (2016) 02B922.
[2] V. Godyak, Ferromagnetic enhanced inductive plasma sources J. Phys. D.; Appl. Phys. 46 (2013) 283001.
