Micro-cathode thruster and a method of increasing thrust output for a micro-cathode thruster

A micro-cathode thruster comprising:

• a power unit that includes:
• a voltage source,
• an inductor connected to the voltage source, and
• a switch connected to the voltage source and the inductor;
• and
• a thruster assembly connected to the power unit, the thruster assembly including:
• a tubular housing having an open distal end,
• a tubular cathode housed within the housing, the cathode having a distal end positioned proximate the open distal end of the housing,
• an insulator in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface,
• an anode housed within the housing and proximate the open distal end of the housing, and
• a magnetic field having magnetic field lines positioned about the external cathode-insulator interface at an incidence angle of about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface,
• wherein when the power unit supplies power to the thruster assembly, a plasma is produced about the external cathode-insulator interface and directed distally by the magnetic field.

A method of enhancing the thrust-to-power ratio of a micro-cathode thruster comprising:

• providing a vacuum arc thruster that includes:
• a tubular housing having an open distal end,
• a tubular cathode housed within the housing, the cathode having a distal end proximate the open distal end of the housing,
• an insulator in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface, and
• an anode housed within the housing and proximate the open distal end of the housing;
• and
• generating a magnetic field positioned about the external cathode-insulator interface and having magnetic field lines angled at an incidence angle of about 20 degrees to about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface.