A comparative study on the different energy supply modes for a micro-cathodic arc thruster

The energy supply mode of a micro-cathodic arc thruster (μ-CAT) was adjusted based on the charge and discharge characteristics storage element, cathode μ-CAT were studied under different modes. We applied an electrical method to measure μ-CAT, with enhanced intensified coupled device spectrum detector plasma parameters allowing analysis internal logic among parameters, characteristics, mode. mechanisms analyzed accumulated discharge, distribution, ion velocity distribution compared modes obtain effect interelectrode μ-CAT. results show that affected ionization stability thruster, causing multistage difference in metal target. This would not only affect propulsion performance but also change number particles region single cycle.