Compact lanthanum hexaboride hollow cathode

A compact lanthanum hexaboride hollow cathode has been developed for space applications where size and mass are important and research and industrial applications where access for implementation might be limited. The cathode design features a refractory metal cathode tube that is easily manufactured, mechanically captured orifice and end plates to eliminate expensive e-beam welding, graphite sleeves to provide a diffusion boundary to protect the LaB6 insert from chemical reactions with the refractory metal tube, and several heater designs to provide long life. The compact $LaB6$ hollow cathode assembly including emitter, support tube, heater, and keeper electrode is less than 2 cm in diameter and has been fabricated in lengths of 6–15 cm for different applications. The cathode has been operated continuously at discharge currents of 5–60 A in xenon. Slightly larger diameter versions of this design have operated at up to 100 A of discharge current.