Global models for radio-frequency ion thrusters

Emissive Membrane Ion Thrusters and Their Applications

The mechanism of operation of a new thruster concept that utilizes solid-state ionic membranes to convert molecules into ions and transmit them to a surface from which they can be extracted into energetic beamlets thereby producing thrust is described. Results of recent experiments are used to estimate the performance of the thruster and the masses of various components required for it to perfo...

Fundamental Ion–surface Interactions in Plasma Thrusters

Ion thrusters offer the potential to enable many future interplanetary robotic missions presently under consideration by NASA. To realize the benefits offered by these low thrust devices, the sputtering mechanisms that are responsible for the degradation of thruster components over time must be well understood. Predictions of thruster life depend directly on the material removal rates from thru...

Building Radio frequency IDentification for the Global Environment

The WP4 “Security” work package of BRIDGE is examining ways to ensure that RFID tags, readers, network infrastructure, and RFID services are developed in harmony with security features to enable effective and safe deployment of applications in various business sectors. However, some organizations tend to see security as nothing more than an extra feature or a “nice to have” for RFID deployments...

“Electrodeless” Plasma Cathode for Neutralization of Ion Thrusters

Significant progress has been made in the characterization of the necessary parameters required to create an effective Radio Frequency (RF) plasma based electron source. Such a device has the promise of comparable current densities to and longer operational lifetimes than hollow cathodes. The operational lifetime of hollow cathodes is ultimately limited by cathode deterioration. RF sources prov...

Investigation of the Feasibility of Fullerene Propellant for Ion Thrusters