EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF COMPACT CHARGE IONIZATION
Abstract
The objective of the work described is to experimentally investigate and optimize a compact ion emitter to provide maximum beam current per unit area. The program has encompassed the following analytical and experimental studies: (1) analytical studies of fuel flow rates, migration velocity, neutral lifetime, and ionization efficiency; (2) diffusion experiments to establish the flow regime through the emitter; (3) develop ment of a bonding technique (emitter attachment to vapor source) to elimnate by-pass flow, i.e., fuel leakage; (4) tests of various emitters for ionization efficiency, including sintered tungsten plates (40% to 80% density), molybdenum screen (0.003 in. holes), and platinum screen (0.0005 in. holes); (5) comparison with other ionization techniques, including studies of a plasma-seeding method, and of an RF method; (6) corrosion tests to establish the materials least subject to at tack by cesium, including emitter materials (tungsten, molybdenum, platinum), structural materials (nickel, stainless steel), electrical conductors (copper), and electrical insulators (aluminum oxide); (7) investigation of emitter heating techniques, with tests of an inductive technique (no internal connections) and of a direct heating technique; and (8) elimination of fuel handling problems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0407169
Entities
People
- E. N. Petrick
- H. W. Szymanowski
- O. K. Husmann