10000-ignition-cycle investigation of a LaB₆ hollow cathode for 3–5-kilowatt hall thruster

In this Paper a newly designed heaterless LaB₆ hollow cathode is studied for 10,000 ignition cycles. The current-voltage characteristics and upstream pressure of the hollow cathode are monitored during this procedure, and a destructive analysis is made after 10,000 ignition cycles. It is found that by using a high-voltage cold ignition approach and an arc discharge mode for heating the performance of this hollow cathode is stable. The anode voltage varies within 4 V during the test, and the downstream end of the emitter and that of the orificed cathode plate are chamfered slightly. The dominant reasons for the reduction of ignition erosion and for the stable performance of the device are analyzed.