Field emission array cathode

Field emission array cathode (e.g. RAL - CMF, SRI)

Low power consumption, least susceptibility to O₂

Life of 8 years demonstrated in high vacuum

Lifetime extended by running at low current

a) SRI international Spindt-type cathode configuration (courtesy of SRI International)

b) Cone and gate structure (Courtesy of SRI Int)

c) the In-FEEP thruster with the Spindt-type cathode