The Role of Donor Electrons in Electron Cyclotron Resonance Discharges
Abstract
The goal of this effort is to investigate the role of donor electrons on the discharge dynamics of an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source. Electric thrusters based on ECR are particularly attractive for next-generation in-space propulsion. They have the highest demonstrated efficiency for RF-class thrusters at low power ( less than 1 kW) when run with conventional propellants. And their electrodeless acceleration scheme in principle enables operation on alternative propellants such as lightweight, reactive gases. This capability is of strategic interest to the Air Force. The goal of this effort is to develop an experimental and theoretical framework to investigate the underlying physics of how these donor electrons result in these positive improvements in the ECR discharge. To this end, the proposed work will 1) establish a first-principles, reduced fidelity model that incorporates the effect of SEE on continuity and power balance and 2) characterize experimentally the response of an ECR ion source to power, flow rate, propellant (krypton, xenon, nitrogen, and oxygen) and wall materials with varying SEE coefficients. The key result of this effort will be an improved understanding of the role of wall material selection in RF discharges, a finding which will have implications for future test cell and thruster design and optimization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2025
- Source ID
- FA95502510025
Entities
People
- Benjamin Jorns
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
- United States Air Force