The invention discloses a large-area high-uniformity active cooling cascaded arc cathode structure, which comprises a cathode substrate. Awater cooling inlet and a water cooling outlet are respectively formed in two ends of the cathode substrate. A snake-shaped water cooling pipeline connected with the water cooling inlet and the water cooling outlet is arranged in the cathode substrate. The backsurface of the cathode substrate is hermetically connected with a gas buffer cavity. A plurality of electrode needle tips are fixedly installed on the front face of the cathode substrate. A pluralityof cathode plate air outlet holes are formed in the periphery of each electrode needle tip. The cathode plate air outlet holes are communicated with the air buffer cavity. The snake-shaped water cooling pipeline in the cathode substrate and the cathode plate air outlet holes are staggered in position. The large-area high-uniformity active cooling cascaded arc cathode structurehas the advantages that 1, large-area plasmas are obtained; 2, the plasma has relatively high uniformity; 3, the discharge process is stable; and 4, the cathode cooling efficiency is high, and the service life of the cathode is prolonged; and 5, the tip of the electrode is of a detachable structure, so that good economy is achieved.