Development of a Prototype Radio-Frequency Cathode with Ferrite Core for Use in Space Propulsion Applications asElectron Source
Abstract
Plasma cathodes are insert free devices that are being developed to be employed as electron sources in electric propulsion and ion source applications as practical alternatives to more commonly used hollow cathodes. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) cathodes, or Radio Frequency (RF) plasma cathodes, are introduced in recent years. Because of its compact geometry, and simple and efficient plasma generation, RF plasma source is considered to be suitable for plasma cathode applications. The aim of this project is to systematically study the effect of soft ferrites towards building an efficient cold plasma electron source to be used in space propulsion systems. The coreless RF electron source can be made much more efficient by incorporating a soft ferrite core in the plasma chamber of the electron source which can increase ionization yield using much lower energy. In the proposed study, numerous ferrite core RF plasma cathodes will be designed and manufactured. Experimental measurements will be conducted to study the effects of geometric and operational parameters. Experimental results will be studied to understand the dependence of plasma generation and electron extraction characteristics of the RF plasma cathode devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710143
Entities
People
- Murat Celik
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Boğaziçi University
- United States Air Force