Liquid metal ion thruster array
US7827779B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 2007 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J27/26
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A Liquid Metal Ion Thruster (LMIT) has a substrate having a plurality of pedestals, one end of the pedestal attached to the substrate, and the opposing end of the pedestal having a tip, the pedestals having grooves and the substrate also having grooves coupled to each other and to a source of liquid metal. An extractor electrode positioned parallel to the substrate and above the pedestal tips provides an electrostatic extraction field sufficient to accelerate ions from the tips of the pedestals through the extractor electrode. A series of focusing electrodes with matching apertures provides a flow of substantially parallel ion trajectories, and an optional negative ion source provides a charge neutralization to prevent space charge spreading of the exiting accelerated ions. The assembly is suitable for providing thrust for a satellite while maintaining high operating efficiencies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.