Operation of an Electron-bombardment Ion Source Using Various Gases

Operation of an Electron-bombardment Ion Source Using Various Gases
Author: David C. Byers
Publisher:
Total Pages: 28
Release: 1971
Genre: Electric propulsion
ISBN:

An electron-bombardment ion thruster of the SERT 2 type was operated with xenon, krypton, argon, neon, nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide. The discharge performance with xenon, krypton, and argon was similar to that obtained previously with mercury. Mass spectrometer data indicated that the xenon contained no significant multiple ionization. Restriction of the beam area, with an associated decrease in discharge potential, was necessary to reduce multiple ionization with argon to a negligible level. This modification also resulted in more stable operation of the thruster. Performance with the remaining gases was poor because the basic thruster designed was optimized for operation with mercury.

NASA Scientific and Technical Reports

NASA Scientific and Technical Reports
Author: United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Scientific and Technical Information Division
Publisher:
Total Pages: 966
Release: 1970
Genre: Aeronautics
ISBN: