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Reduction of plasma loss to discharge chamber walls in a ring-cusp ion thruster

Journal Article · · J. Propul. Pow.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/3.22957· OSTI ID:6487808
The plasma ion loss to the discharge chamber wall in a magnetic cusp ion thruster has a significant influence on the discharge performance expressed in terms of ion production cost and propellant utilization efficiency. A method is presented for improving discharge performance by confining the ions electrostatically in the discharge chamber; a set of ring-shaped electrodes that is biased positively with respect to the anode is installed in the regions enclosed by the cusp fields. 6 references.
Research Organization:
Tokyo Univ., Japan
OSTI ID:
6487808
Journal Information:
J. Propul. Pow.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Propul. Pow.; (United States) Vol. 3; ISSN JPPOE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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