Plasma generator and associated ionization method
AssigneeProel Technologie S.p.A.
InventorGianfranco Cirri
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In the discharge chamber (21) of a device for generating plasma, used in the space sector for ion propulsion or for the discharging of satellites and in applications on the ground, suitable ionizing radiation sources (47) are provided, capable of improving the performance of said device. The radiation emitted by the sources creates constant ionization of the gas with advantages both during the preionization phase, i.e. starting of the device, and during the operating phase, standardizing the performance thereof in particular in terms of continuity and regularity of operation.
Claims13
A plasma generator comprising:
- a chamber;
- a hollow cathode extending into said chamber;
- means for introducing gas through said hollow cathode and into said chamber;
- an anode positioned in said chamber and spaced from said hollow cathode, said anode defining an opening for plasma to pass through;
- ionizing radiation source positioned in said chamber between said hollow cathode and said anode to inject radiation into said gas and to pre-ionize portions of said gas by transferring energy from said radiation to said portions of gas.
A plasma generator for use in space vehicles, the plasma generator comprising:
- a chamber;
- a gas inside said chamber;
- ionizing means for ionizing said gas in said chamber to form a plasma, said ionizing means including an ionizing radiation source positioned to inject radiation into said gas and to pre-ionize portions of said gas by transferring energy from said radiation to said portions of gas.
A method for generating plasma in space vehicles, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a chamber in communication with an outer space environment;
- introducing a gas into said chamber;
- ionizing said gas in said chamber to form a plasma, said ionizing including injecting radioactive radiation from an ionizing radiation source into said gas to pre-ionize portions of said gas by transferring energy from said radiation to said portions of gas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.