Abstract
This thesis describes the work of theoretical and experimental characterization of a
multichannel cathode for high current application.
The experimental phase was preceded by a simplified theoretical study in order to estimate the operating temperatures of the cathode, the rate of erosion and the main plasma properties during operation.
The results were then compared with data obtained from the experimental campaign in order to verify the accuracy of the simplifying assumptions, made to determine the equations needed to solve the thermal analysis of components, and for the preliminary assessment of the rate of erosion. Trends of the plasma properties which were analytically obtained, were also verified by comparison with studies from other laboratories.
