Abstract
There is interest in the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to create a field emission cathode for small satellite applications and the neutralization of exhaust plumes of low-power electric propulsion devices since field emission cathodes do not require a gas flow to operate. As a part of the cathode’s development, the current emission output over the lifetime of the cathode must be determined. The Georgia Tech Research Institute and the Georgia Tech High-Power Electric Propulsion Laboratory have fabricated multiple field emission cathodes that consist of multi-walled CNT arrays. Seven cathodes are characterized at pressures below 10 -5 Torr at constant voltage between the CNTs and the gate until failure occurs. The maximum current density observed is 9.08 mA/cm 2 , the maximum power density is 9.08 W/cm 2 , and the maximum life-span is 368 hours. The behavior of the cathode current emission consists of oscillations and sudden shifts thought to be caused by CNT interactions. Resistive heating is thought to be the primary cause for failure.
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