Operation of a Solid-Rod Cathode in a Low-Pressure Discharge

Cathode erosion is one of the life-limiting mechanisms in several classes of electric thrusters. Since cathode erosion depends strongly on the cathode temperature, a quantitative understanding of the effects of cathode operation in the cathode temperature is required. A pure tungsten cathode was sucessfully operated in an argon discharge at pressures of 1.5 and 3.0 kPa and current levels of 600, 1000 and 1400 A.