Thermally isolated thermionic hollow cathodes
US9980361B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H1/20
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments relate to a hallow cathode with integral layers of radiation shielding. The hollow cathode includes an inner cathode tube that forms a gas feed to direct gas toward a downstream end, where the directed gas forms plasma. A heater element is positioned at the downstream end of the inner cathode tube, the heater element to heat the plasma. The hollow cathode further includes an outer cathode tube with a keeper electrode to sustain a bias voltage across a gap at a downstream end of the outer cathode tube for igniting the plasma. The integral layers of radiation shielding are connected by offset radial supports and are incorporated as a single element with either the inner or outer cathode tube, where the integral layers are nested with torturous conductive paths to reduce radiation and conduction losses from the downstream end of the inner cathode tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.