Patent ID: 6729174
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A process for testing a xenon gas feed system of a Hollow Cathode Assembly (HCA) to satisfy specified contamination levels and calibration procedure requirements, to achieve reliable long-life HCA operation, said HCA comprising an anode, a cathode, a low work function insert in the cathode for electron emission, and a heater tape connected to a power source, comprising the steps of:a) securing all xenon gas feed system components; b) calibrating the xenon gas feed system; c) conducting a high temperature bake-out of the xenon gas feed system; d) determining a leak rate of the xenon gas feed system; e) determining a xenon gas purity; f) conditioning the low work function insert of the HCA; and g) igniting a gaseous electrical discharge between the anode and the cathode.