PLASMA CONTROLS, LLC — National Aeronautics and Space Administration SBIR Phase I: S3.02
PLASMA CONTROLS, LLC — SBIR Phase I award from National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Amount
- $125,000
- Agency
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- Topic
- S3.02
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- CO
- Period
- 2015-06-17 → 2015-12-17
Description
Plasma Controls, LLC will develop hollow cathode electron sources based on a novel inorganic electron emitting material. Current state of the art cathodes include barium oxide based cathodes, which are susceptible to contamination, and lanthanum hexaboride cathodes, which must be operated at very high temperatures. In contrast, electride cathodes may provide equivalent emission to existing hollow cathode insert materials at lower working temperatures and lower powers, possibly extending cathode life and simplifying cathode construction and operation. In addition, a modified hollow cathode design will be used to facilitate rapid plasma ignition.