METHOD TO NEUTRALISE VOLUME CHARGE OF ION BEAMS IN ION ELECTRIC ROCKET ENGINES AND DEVICE TO THIS END (VERSIONS) Russian patent published in 2011 - IPC H05H1/54 

FIELD: engines and pumps.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method runs of excitation of gas-discharge plasma to be used to electron emission into volume charge neutralisation zone. Pulse laser is used as auxiliary power source. Laser focused beam is directed into neutraliser self-contained cavity filled by inflow of ion engine working gas wherein discharge is initiated in working gas flow, nearby said focus, to generate plasma and emit electrons into accelerated ion beam. In compliance with one version of method, cesium vapors are directed into neutraliser self-contained cavity. Proposed neutraliser comprises auxiliary pulse laser power source, laser igniter with focusing lens and spacer to set and adjust focus point in cathode self-contained cavity with diaphragmed gas-flow hollow neutraliser cathode. Diaphragm hole is connected with electrically isolated auxiliary anode by pipeline communicated via inlet with unit to feed cesium vapors into cathode self-contained cavity. Sleeves fix laser beam transfer channel in self-contained cavity case to focus of hollow cathode 4 or to target arranged in said cvity. In compliance with of version of device, laser igniter is arranged inside self-contained cathode cavity coupled with pulse laser via wave guide.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of electron emission and transfer into ion beam neutralisation zone, longer life.

8 cl, 3 dwg