Patent attributes
An indirectly heated cathode ion source includes an arc chamber housing that defines an arc chamber, an indirectly heated cathode and a filament for heating the cathode. The cathode may include an emitting portion having a front surface, a rear surface and a periphery, a support rod attached to the rear surface of the emitting portion, and a skirt extending from the periphery of the emitting portion. A cathode assembly may include the cathode, a filament and a clamp assembly for mounting the cathode and the filament in a fixed spatial relationship and for conducting electrical energy to the cathode and the filament. The filament is positioned in a cavity defined by the emitting portion and the skirt of the cathode. The ion source may include a shield for inhibiting escape of electrons and plasma from a region outside the arc chamber in proximity to the filament and the cathode.
