Abstract
Low-or no-flow electron emitters required for low power electric thrusters have been analyzed. Feasibility of ferroelectric cathode used for neutralizer is proposed. The lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) used in experiments is 0.5 mm thick. Electron emission property of lead lanthanum zirconate titanate under low driving voltage (1.0-1.2 kV) has been studied. Ferroelectric cathodes are driven by unipolar positive pulse and repetition pulse 1 μs in duration. Emission current 320-3000 ns in duration with peak current up to 34 A and 27 A have been acquired, respectively. Reliable emission has been achieved in air background at pressures as high as 10-5 Torr.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 627-630 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Tuijin Jishu/Journal of Propulsion Technology |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| State | Published - Oct 2008 |
Keywords
- Electric propulsion
- Electron emission
- Ferroelectric cathode
- Neutralizer