| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2023 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
2023 Technical Division Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPG-9: Material-based Characterization of Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Cathodes |
| Author(s) |
Arega Margousian |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Arega Margousian |
| Abstract Scope |
Carbon Nanotube (CNT) cathodes offer an alternative option for the electron source in space electric propulsion devices. A material-based study of carbon nanotube field emission could greatly benefit the small satellite propulsion research field. The first goal is to study the performance of CNT field emission cathodes in a high vacuum environment by using common methods of CNT property characterization such as SEM imaging and Raman spectroscopy. These methods would provide quality and structure measurements of the CNTs at the nanoscale which would be mapped to the I-V curves obtained from the cathode in high vacuum tests. The main purpose is to understand how the field emission yield changes as a function of CNT defects. This is important in understanding the main factors affecting the field emission current density. The second goal is to obtain the near field and far field electron beam distribution profiles. This result would be useful in determining optimal system parameters for future propulsion system designs, such as spacing between cathode and the thruster. This study would significantly increase our understanding of the carbon nanotube field emission cathode material characteristics and their performance. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |