Innovations in Hollow Cathode Construction Technology

Identification and Significance of Innovationnbsp;Innovations are offered in the joining and fastening of hollow cathodes for electric space propulsion, including automated laser welding of the cathode insert, heater, orifice plate, and inlet tube. Alsonbsp;offered are innovations on a compact scalable potted heater with superior heat transfer properties over current art.nbsp;Investigations will continue on basic processes for welding refractory metals such as molybdenum, rhenium, molybdenum-rhenium, tungsten, hafnium, etc. The secret to welding these metals is the use of ductile interface metals and proper design of the weld joint to allow stress relief. The interface metals include: platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium. Building on these innovations, new keeper designs are offered which provide smaller size, lower power, higher electron and energy efficiency, and longer life over current art.