What is it about?

Results of preliminary tests on a direct current neutralizer operated in ExB discharge. Tests were performed with argon. The results include extraction efficiency - extracted electron current versus input current - and energy efficiency - extracted electron current versus total input power.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This neutralizer does not rely on emissive surfaces - contrary to conventional hollow cathodes - and, thus, can potentially operate with a wide variety of propellants.

Perspectives

This publication shows what was achieved in merely six months of research in this direction. It is expected that improved performances will be achieved within few years.

Antonio Gurciullo
University of Surrey

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Experimental Performance Characterization of a Novel Direct Current Cold Cathode Neutralizer for Electric Thruster Applications, July 2016, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA),
DOI: 10.2514/6.2016-4945.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page