Review on development of carbon nanotube field emission cathode for space propulsion systems

In recent years, small-size, low-weight aerospace propulsion systems have developed rapidly for space exploration, on-orbit scientific instruments and extra space missions, while additional electron emission devices are commonly required in those propulsion systems. Carbon nanotube (CNT) based field...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:High voltage 2020-08, Vol.5 (4), p.409-415
Main Authors: Huo, Chao, Liang, Feng, Sun, An-bang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
aerospace propulsion
carbon nanotube based field emission cathodes
carbon nanotubes
CNT‐based electron emission cathodes
electric propulsion
electron emission devices
electron field emission
electron sources
hollow cathodes
low-weight aerospace propulsion systems
on-orbit scientific instruments
Review Article
space electric propulsion systems
space mission exploration
thermionic cathodes
vacuum microelectronics
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Summary:In recent years, small-size, low-weight aerospace propulsion systems have developed rapidly for space exploration, on-orbit scientific instruments and extra space missions, while additional electron emission devices are commonly required in those propulsion systems. Carbon nanotube (CNT) based field emission cathodes exhibit extraordinary field emission properties and are regarded to be an ideal alternative of conventional thermionic or hollow cathodes. In this study, the authors give an overview of present status of researches on CNT-based electron emission cathodes for utilising as neutralisers or electron sources particularly in space electric propulsion systems, the theory and characteristics of CNT are also illustrated. Furthermore, challenges, problems and possible solutions before actual applications of CNT in a space mission are discussed accordingly.
ISSN:2397-7264
2397-7264
DOI:10.1049/hve.2019.0257