Update on Thermionic Cathodes and Electron Guns Manufacturing at 3M Technical Ceramics, Inc.

Recent developments in Vacuum Electronics technology created multiple challenges in dispenser cathodes and electron guns manufacturing. These developments include, but are not limited to, manufacturing and characterization of cathodes and guns capable of producing higher current densities than traditional M-type cathodes; manufacturing of cathodes smaller (TWT cathodes and hollow cylinders for ion thruster neutralizers) or larger (gyrotrons and klystrons) than typical cathodes and with higher dimensional and geometric accuracy; design and manufacturing of cathodes with faster response time, as well as cathodes with highly reliable, long life for space applications. To address these challenges, 3M Technical Ceramics is currently undertaking multiple development and process improvement projects. Results will be in details presented at the IVEC 2025 conference.