LaB6 and Iodine Resistant Miniature Cathodes for Small Thrusters

Seven miniature cathodes are offered in unique support and discharge structures with heaters and in keeper assemblies for use in thrusters for small satellites and CubeSats. Cathode candidates include LaB6, hafrium carbide, scandate, barium oxide coated tungsten, thoriated tungsten, tantalum and yttria-coated iridium. Each cathode will be constructed, tested, and evaluated in a xenon and iodine discharge environment. All tests will be performed on planar cathodes using e beam’s unique cathode support structure, which incorporates support and heater in the same element. The assembly is extremely power efficient, dissipating less than 4 watts even on the high-temperature cathodes. It allows rapid construction of cathodes and keeper assemblies for multiple tests. Hafrium carbide is the most refractory binary compound known and has been successfully tested at e beam, inc. The hafrium carbide and LaB6 cathodes will be single-crystal planar, 0.040-inch in diameter. Micro-thrusters are needed for CubeSats and other small satellites. Over 2,000 small satellites are planned over the next 10 years, but small, low-cost, efficient cathodes are not available, especially iodine compatible cathodes. E beam, inc. specializes in small cathodes and is a leader in scandate cathode research.