METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING INTENSE ENERGETIC GAS DISCHARGES
A device for producing an energetic gas arc discharge employing the use of gas-fed hollow cathode and anode electrodes is reported. The rate of feed of the gas to the electrodes is regulated to cause complete space charge neutralization to occur within the electrodes. The arc discharge is closely fitted within at least one of the electrodes so tint the gas fed to this electrode is substantially completely ionized before it is emitted into the vacuum chamber. It is this electrode design and the axial potential gradient that exists in the arc which permits the arc to be operated in low pressures and at volthges and currents that permit the arc to be energetic. The use of the large number of energetic ions that are accelerated toward the cathode as a propulsion device for a space vehicle is set forth.
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-14-016135
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Number(s):
- US 2920235
- OSTI ID:
- 4137848
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-60
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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