Ion thruster based on radio frequency self-bias principle

Abstract

The invention discloses an ion thruster based on the radio frequency self-bias principle, which comprises an ionization chamber, a radio frequency antenna, an acceleration grid device, etc. The ionization chamber is used for providing a closed area for ionization of a gas working medium and plasma formation, a radio frequency source and power distribution and matching system is arranged outside the ionization chamber, the radio frequency antenna is arranged on the top surface of the ionization chamber, and is isolated from the ionization chamber by quartz glass, a plurality of working medium input channels are uniformly distributed on the side surface of the ionization chamber, and the acceleration grid device is arranged on the bottom surface of the ionization chamber, and comprises a screen grid and an acceleration grid arranged in parallel from the inside to the outside in turn. One end of the radio frequency source and power distribution and matching system is connected with the radio frequency antenna, and the other end is connected with the screen grid of the acceleration grid device through an isolation capacitor. As the positive ion acceleration and the electron extractionare carries out through the radio frequency self-biasing effect, the plume quasi-neutrality can be ensured without a neutralizer, the effect of space charge on the thruster can be reduced, and the overall performance and the operation stability of the thruster are improved.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of spacecraft propulsion, and in particular relates to an ion thruster for space based on the radio frequency self-bias principle. Background technique [0002] The grid ion thruster is a plasma device that generates thrust by electrostatically accelerated ions. It has the characteristics of high specific impulse, long life, small thrust and high control precision. It is widely used in attitude control, position maintenance, and resistance compensation of spacecraft. , orbit correction, deep space exploration and other tasks. In order to make the plume sprayed into the space electrically neutral, the grid ion thruster must be installed with a neutralizer to emit electrons and positive ions to neutralize, so the characteristics and life of the neutralizer greatly restrict the further development of the thruster. develop. Designing a grid ion thruster with long life and high operational stability is of great...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In order to make the plume sprayed into the space electrically neutral, the grid ion thruster must be installed with a neutralizer to emit electrons and positive ions to neutralize, so the characteristics and life of the neutralizer greatly restrict the further development of the thruster. develop

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