1. Magnetically Enhanced Inductive Source for Electric Propulsion Applications
- Author
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Brandom Weatherford, Eric D. Gillman, Brad Summers, and John E. Foster
- Subjects
Materials science ,Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion ,Ion thruster ,business.industry ,Ambipolar diffusion ,Analytical chemistry ,Field-emission electric propulsion ,Optoelectronics ,Ion current ,Pulsed inductive thruster ,business ,Plasma processing ,Ion source - Abstract
[Abstract] A magnetically enhanced inductive discharge was investigated for electric propulsion applications. The high plasma density produced by the source makes it attractive as an ion source for a gridded ion thruster or possibly a stand-alone ambipolar thruster. Plasma is produced by a compact “stovetop”, spiral antenna similar to that used in plasma processing sources. Operation on Argon to pressures as low as 1 mTorr were demonstrated at powers ranging from 100 to 250 W. Ion current as high as 1 A were extracted from the 10 cm diameter device. Plasma properties and ion production efficiency are reported and commented upon.
- Published
- 2007
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