PLASMA ACCELERATOR CATHODE Russian patent published in 2007 - IPC H05H1/54 H01J37/77 

FIELD: electro-reactive engines, namely, plasma accelerators (Hall, ionic), using cathodes in their composition.

SUBSTANCE: plasma accelerator cathode includes a holder, in which emitter is mounted, and a heater aligned with a holder in axially symmetrical manner, consisting of a body, in internal hollow of which electric isolator is mounted, and also, heater spiral is mounted in internal hollow of electric isolator. Electric isolator has a shelf towards the holder, forming a gap with the holder and limiting radial movement of the holder relatively to axis of the heater. Value of gap between shelf of electric isolator and the holder is less than the gap between spiral of the heater and the holder. Electric isolator shelf is made in form of separate bushing of electric-isolating material, which is mounted in internal hollow of heater body, while channels are made in the bushing for driving heater spiral through it. Also, this bushing is mounted on the end of heater, which corresponds to output end of emitter holder.

EFFECT: increased reliability of cathode operation due to prevented possibility of electric contact between spiral of heating device and holder of emitter during heat deformation of holder.

3 cl, 1 dwg