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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Electron-bombardment ion sources

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4085224
An electron-bombardment ion source includes a chamber into which a propellant is introduced. The propellant is ionized by means of electrons drawn toward an anode from a cathode. At one end of the chamber is an apertured screen followed by an aligned apertured grid. The grid is maintained at a potential that accelerates the ions out of the chamber through the screen and the grid. A surface within the chamber, such as the screen, the wall of the chamber or both, and other than the anode and cathode, is maintained at a potential approaching the anode during the initiation of ion production, while being maintained at a potential approaching that on the cathode during steady-state ion production. Conveniently, this is achieved by interposing a resistance, of appropriate value, between that surface and a potential source. (auth)
Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-33-021110
Assignee:
to Ion Tech, Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 3913320
OSTI ID:
4085224
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English