International Journal of Applied Engineering Research

The paper discusses the characteristics of hollow cathode system having thermionic cathode as the primary emitter of electrons for possible applications in high power plasma devices. The higher current carrying capability of such a cathode system has been explained on the basis of hollow cathode phenomena. To characterize the hollow cathode, a demountable diode was designed and fabricated using a oxide coated thermionic cathode. The diode was tested in Deuterium gas atmosphere. Various characteristics of diode is evaluated. These are Grid-cathode emission characteristics in vacuum as well as gaseous atmosphere, Pulsed emission characteristics and emission characteristics. The peak current ratings of these cathodes can be extended to suit to the requirements of Pasotrons and ion thrusters.