MULTICAVITY CATHODE FOR PLASMA ENGINE Russian patent published in 2019 - IPC F03H1/00 H01J17/06 

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to plasma engineering, namely hollow multicavity cathodes, which can be used in plasma rocket engines, as well as in plasma process sources intended for ion-plasma treatment of materials in vacuum or as autonomous functioning plasma sources. Multicavity cathode for plasma engine includes cathode tube from refractory metal material with multiple emitters, made in the form of cylindrical rods of refractory metal material, arranged in parallel to each other and interfaced with each other and walls of the cathode tube with formation between them cavities in the form of longitudinal channels, where said cylindrical rods are made of material with lower work function of electron than that of cathode tube material.

EFFECT: when using the invention, reducing the flow rate of the working medium through the cathode and increasing the life of the cathode owing to reduced entrainment of the cathode material from the cavity during its evaporation, as well as high reliability of ignition of the discharge in the cavity.

7 cl, 3 dwg