2021
DOI: 10.3389/fphy.2021.639010
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Automatically Controlled Frequency-Tunable rf Plasma Thruster: Ion Beam and Thrust Measurements

Abstract: A fast and automatically controlled frequency-tunable radiofrequency (rf) system is installed in an rf plasma thruster consisting of a stepped-diameter insulator source tube wound by a single-turn loop antenna and a solenoid providing a magnetic nozzle, and immersed in vacuum. The frequency and the output power are controlled so as to minimize the reflection coefficient and to maintain the net power corresponding to the forward minus reflected powers at a constant level. The reproducibility of the impedance ma… Show more

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Cited by 7 publications
(4 citation statements)
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“…The solenoids can be partially replaced by permanent magnets as investigated in previous studies [60][61][62] . Furthermore, developments of rf systems for the thrusters have also been progressed such as efficient switching-type rf generators 63,64 and compact frequency-tunable impedance matching techniques 65,66 . The system developments providing less power losses at the solenoids and the rf generator, reducing the system size, and improving the controllability, remains further challenging issues toward a flight model of the MN rf plasma thruster.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The solenoids can be partially replaced by permanent magnets as investigated in previous studies [60][61][62] . Furthermore, developments of rf systems for the thrusters have also been progressed such as efficient switching-type rf generators 63,64 and compact frequency-tunable impedance matching techniques 65,66 . The system developments providing less power losses at the solenoids and the rf generator, reducing the system size, and improving the controllability, remains further challenging issues toward a flight model of the MN rf plasma thruster.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This ion beam component is generated by the spontaneously formed steady-state electric field near the source exit, which has axial and radial components. A part of the beam component is converted into fast neutrals via charge exchange collisions and thermal ions newly appears in the MN 9 , 38 . The mean free path for the ion-neutral charge exchange collisions is about 50 cm and effectively acts as a drag force for the accelerated ions, resulting in the Mach number lower than unity in the averaged velocity measurement by the MP.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This system is indeed useful because of the tiny matching circuit for developing the sputtering and etching tools in Minimal Fab. Moreover, the rf system is useful for rf plasma thrusters, requiring a compact rf system for plasma production [75,76].…”
Section: Industrial Plasmasmentioning
confidence: 99%