Gas Fed Multichannel Hollow Cathode Arcs

Abstract

A new type of gas fed hollow cathode (multichannel cathode) has been studied. Such cathodes operate with a lower voltage drop and higher maximum current density than conventional one-channel cathodes and have a longer lifetime as wei!. Moreover, multichannel cathodes allow operation within a wide range of discharge currents and with extremely low gas flow rates. A theoretical analysis clarifies the principles of the operation of this type of cathode. The experimental results are explained and some general rules are presented for the cathode design.