EP2277188B1 - Plasma generator and method for controlling a plasma generator - Google Patents
Plasma generator and method for controlling a plasma generator Download PDFInfo
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- EP2277188B1 EP2277188B1 EP09741744.8A EP09741744A EP2277188B1 EP 2277188 B1 EP2277188 B1 EP 2277188B1 EP 09741744 A EP09741744 A EP 09741744A EP 2277188 B1 EP2277188 B1 EP 2277188B1
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- coil
- high frequency
- plasma generator
- ionization chamber
- ion
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03H—PRODUCING A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03H1/00—Using plasma to produce a reactive propulsive thrust
- F03H1/0037—Electrostatic ion thrusters
- F03H1/0056—Electrostatic ion thrusters with an acceleration grid and an applied magnetic field
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J27/00—Ion beam tubes
- H01J27/02—Ion sources; Ion guns
- H01J27/16—Ion sources; Ion guns using high-frequency excitation, e.g. microwave excitation
- H01J27/18—Ion sources; Ion guns using high-frequency excitation, e.g. microwave excitation with an applied axial magnetic field
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05H—PLASMA TECHNIQUE; PRODUCTION OF ACCELERATED ELECTRICALLY-CHARGED PARTICLES OR OF NEUTRONS; PRODUCTION OR ACCELERATION OF NEUTRAL MOLECULAR OR ATOMIC BEAMS
- H05H1/00—Generating plasma; Handling plasma
- H05H1/54—Plasma accelerators
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a plasma generator according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a method for controlling a plasma generator in which a plasma generated in the plasma generator is controlled by means of a high-frequency electrical or electromagnetic alternating field in.
- Generic plasma generators are generally known as ion sources, electron sources or plasma sources and are used as ion sources, for example in ion engines for space technology.
- the plasma generator according to the invention is a high-frequency plasma generator.
- a working fluid introduced into the ionization chamber also called fuel or support fluid
- a working fluid introduced into the ionization chamber also called fuel or support fluid
- the ionization takes place in the ionization chamber, which is surrounded by a coil.
- the coil is traversed by a high-frequency alternating current.
- the alternating current creates an axial magnetic field inside the ionization chamber. This time-varying magnetic field induces a circular alternating electric field in the ionization chamber.
- This alternating electric field accelerates free electrons so that they finally absorb the necessary energy for electron impact ionization can.
- Atoms of the fuel are thereby ionized.
- the ions are either accelerated in the extraction lattice system or they recombine on the walls with electrons.
- the released electrons are either accelerated in the field or in turn can absorb the necessary energy for ionization or run on the walls of the ionization chamber and recombine there.
- the ion current generated in an ion source can be used to impose a defined energy for a very wide variety of processes.
- the acceleration of the ions is used for thrust generation according to the recoil principle.
- Wi a minimum ionization energy Wi is required. Upon recombination on the walls, Wi is released in the form of heat and radiation and is therefore not available for further ionization or for use by acceleration in the extraction grid. The Wandrekombination is thus the largest loss factor in the high-frequency ionization.
- Object of the present invention is therefore to design a generic plasma generator so that the power loss occurring by recombination of the ions and / or electrons on the walls of the ionization chamber is significantly reduced.
- a further current source or voltage source is provided, which is designed so that at least one coil of the coil assembly with an alternating current of lower frequency than the supplied from the high-frequency AC power source, is applied.
- the provision of power sources is described; it may instead be provided voltage sources.
- the proportion of the alternating high frequency electromagnetic field superimposed low-frequency alternating current causes the charge carriers (electrons and ions) within the coil and thus within the ionization chamber in circular or spiral paths in the magnetic field forced become.
- Such a circular path movement or spiral path movement of the electrons in the magnetic field leads to their movement in the direction of the walls
- the alternating current of lower frequency superimposed on the high-frequency alternating current flowing through the coil arrangement should be chosen such that it is sufficient to obtain a magnetic field of desired height in the ionization chamber.
- the gas in the interior of the ion source, ie in the ionization chamber represents a plasma. If an inhomogeneous magnetic field is superimposed on a plasma, the plasma moves in the direction of the weakening magnetic field (gradient drift): With appropriate design of the geometry of the coil arrangement, it is possible , By gradient drift, the charge carriers in the plasma reinforced in the desired direction, z. B. in the direction of the extraction grid system to move.
- the invention it is thus possible to reduce the wall losses in the ionization chamber of plasma generators, such as ion sources, in particular of ion engines, without having to change the basic design of the previously known ion sources or ion engines.
- the invention can also be used to control the distribution of plasma density in the ionization chamber. It can also be used to minimize wall losses along with the design of the ionization chamber and coil assembly.
- Plasma generator according to the present invention with a suitable design of the ionization chamber and the coil assembly, the homogeneity of the plasma in the ionization chamber can be optimized.
- the invention can also be used to increase the plasma density in desired regions of the ionization chamber. However, it can also be used to increase the electron current from an electron source.
- the plasma generator can be designed as a plasma source, as an electron source or as an ion source.
- an acceleration device for ions or electrons formed in the ionization chamber is provided in the region of the outlet opening.
- This accelerator device which in the case of an ion source preferably has an electrically positively charged grid and a negatively charged grid located in the outflow direction of the ions from the ionization chamber behind the positive grid, serves to move the ions formed in the ionization chamber in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the grid accelerate out of the ionization chamber and thus cause an ion ejection from the ion source.
- the grids form an extraction grating system. In the case of an electron source, the order of the gratings and thus the polarity is reversed.
- such an ion source is part of an ion engine.
- an electron injector is provided in the downstream direction of the ion stream leaving the ionization chamber, said electron injector being directed towards the ion stream and being adapted to neutralize the ion stream, the electron injector preferably being a hollow cathode having.
- a magnet arrangement which surrounds the ionization chamber.
- a particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the coil arrangement has a high-frequency coil which is connected to a high-frequency electrical AC voltage to initiate the high-frequency alternating current into the coil, and that the direct current generated by a DC voltage also directly into the high frequency Coil is initiated.
- the feeding of the direct current can preferably take place at a different location of the high-frequency coil than the feeding of the high-frequency alternating current.
- the direct current can preferably be regulated, and a regulating device is provided which regulates the direct current, for example, proportionally to the ion current emerging from the ionization chamber.
- the part of the object relating to the method is achieved by a method having the features of claim 10.
- the plasma is subjected to an alternating electromagnetic field having a lower frequency than the high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field in addition to the high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field.
- the housing bottom 24 has in the region of the axis X on a central opening 27 through which a tube 3 is guided in the axial direction from the outside.
- the tube 3 opens inside the housing 20 of the ion source 2. Outside the ion source 2, the tube 3 is connected to a source (not shown) for a working fluid such that the working fluid flows through the tube 3 (not shown) can be introduced into the interior of the ion source 2.
- the tube 3 thus forms a working fluid supply 30 for the ion source.
- the housing 20 of the ion source 2 is surrounded in its first cylindrical portion 23 with windings 40 of an electric coil assembly 4.
- the gas in the interior of the housing 20 of the ion source 2, ie in the ionization chamber 5, represents a plasma. If a nonhomogeneous magnetic field is superimposed on a plasma, the plasma moves in the direction of the weakening magnetic field, which is referred to as "gradient drift".
- gradient drift By suitable design of the coil geometry of the coils in the coil arrangement 4, it is possible, by gradient drift, to increase the charge carriers in the plasma in the direction of the outlet opening 21, ie toward the extraction grid arrangement 6.
- FIG. 5 Another alternative embodiment is in Fig. 5 shown.
- the coil of the coil assembly S is driven by a generator ACDC whose DC component is not blocked against the AC component.
- the DC component is ideally controllable or controllable.
- the coil arrangement S comprises a coil S1 adjacent to the high-frequency AC source AC, which is supplied with a direct current or a low-frequency alternating current from the DC source DC.
- the DC power source DC is protected by means of the provided at the input and output of the coil S2 networks N1 and N2 against a current induced by the coil S 1 of the AC circuit current.
- a single coil in the AC circuit several coils can be provided.
- several coils may be provided in the DC circuit instead of a single coil S2.
- Fig. 7B are also two coils S1 and S2 and additionally provided a third coil S3. Also in Fig. 7B schematically illustrated ion source 1 "is provided with an extraction grating assembly G.
- the plasma generators shown can also be used in a plasma source into which a working gas A is introduced and from which a mixture C of ions, electrons and neutral particles (plasma) emerges, as in FIG Fig. 8A is shown symbolically.
- a plasma source into which a working gas A is introduced and from which a mixture C of ions, electrons and neutral particles (plasma) emerges, as in FIG Fig. 8A is shown symbolically.
- a plasma bridge At the outlet for the mixture C may also be formed a plasma bridge.
- the plasma can also escape at a higher pressure and form a plasma jet.
- Fig. 8B is shown symbolically, several working gases A, B, ... N can be introduced into the plasma generator. In the ionization chamber Then plasma-chemical processes take place, so that a desired reaction product R can be taken at a suitable location Y of the plasma generator or can interact directly with a substrate T provided in the plasma source.
- Fig. 9 shows the temporal change of current I (t), which flows through the AC coil of the coil assembly 4, and the magnetic flux B (t) induced thereby and of the applied to the plasma generator electric field E (t).
- the course of the current I (t) is drawn as a solid line
- the time course of the magnetic flux density B (t) is shown as a dotted line
- the course of the electric field strength E (t) is shown as a dotted line.
- no additional imprint of a direct current has yet occurred.
- the ratio of periods with negative to positive flow direction can be influenced by appropriate choice of the size of the additionally fed DC current and it can be suppressed such a sign reversal of the magnetic flux. It also becomes possible to generate a high flux density compared to the amplitude of the periodic flux change. Furthermore, this flux density can be tailored to plasma conditions (ECR and ICR resonance frequency). The induced electric field E (t) remains unaffected by the additional imprinting of a direct current and the resulting additional imposition of a constant magnetic flux.
- the feeding of the high-frequency alternating current and the direct current can preferably take place directly into the high-frequency alternating-current coil of the coil arrangement 4, so that alternating current and direct current are fed into the same coil.
- the radio-frequency coil can be single-layered or multi-layered. It can be designed with center tap or part tapping (s) for grounding the terminals on both sides, with the windings wound in opposite directions.
- the DC feed can be via a tap, so that the DC is introduced only over part of the turns in the coil.
- the direct current can be fed instead of into the high-frequency coil into a coil of a bifilar arrangement which is suitably parallel to the high-frequency coil.
- the DC coil may have the same, a smaller or higher number of turns than the high-frequency coil.
- the high frequency coil may have one or more feed points.
- the feeding of the direct current from one or more DC sources can take place, wherein in the case of several DC sources, these deliver either an equal current or different sized currents through the coil or windings.
- the entire coil arrangement is preferably designed so that the supply of the high-frequency alternating current and the supply of the direct current do not influence each other.
- the feeding of the high-frequency alternating current can be done by means of a PLL phase control.
- the high frequency AC coil may be part of a series resonant circuit or a parallel resonant circuit.
- the high-frequency coil and / or the DC coil can be arranged either outside or inside the housing 20 of the plasma generator.
- the housing of the plasma generator can be designed as a cylinder, cone or other shape design.
- the coil may have any other shape instead of a cylindrical shape.
- the pitch of the turns may be non-uniform.
- the windings may be arranged at different distances from each other.
- the winding may be meandering, for example.
- a ring field (cusp field) or a multipolar field can be generated. Any distribution of the magnetic field can also be achieved via a multiplicity of feed-in points distributed along the high-frequency coil.
- the DC current may be controllable or controllable for optimum adaptation of the magnetic field, for example, at an ion source or an ion engine corresponding to the exiting ion current, which is proportional to the thrust in the ion engine.
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Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Plasmaerzeuger gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1. Sie betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zum Steuern eines Plasmaerzeugers, bei welchem ein im Plasmaerzeuger erzeugtes Plasma mittels eines hochfrequenten elektrischen oder elektromagnetischen Wechselfeldes in kontrolliert wird.The present invention relates to a plasma generator according to the preamble of
Gattungsgemäße Plasmaerzeuger, sind als Ionenquellen, Elektronenquellen oder Plasmaquellen allgemein bekannt und werden als Ionenquelle beispielsweise in Ionentriebwerken für die Raumfahrttechnik eingesetzt. Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeuger handelt es sich um einen Hochfrequenz-Plasmaerzeuger. Wird dieser Plasmaerzeuger in einem Hochfrequenz-Ionentriebwerk eingesetzt, so wird ein in die Ionisationskammer eingeleitetes Arbeitsfluid, das auch als Treibstoff oder Stützfluid bezeichnet wird, mit Hilfe eines elektromagnetischen Wechselfeldes ionisiert und dann zur Schuberzeugung im elektrostatischen Feld eines an einer offenen Seite der Ionisationskammer vorgesehenen Extraktions-Gittersystems beschleunigt. Die Ionisation erfolgt in der Ionisationskammer, die von einer Spule umgeben ist. Die Spule wird von einem hochfrequenten Wechselstrom durchflossen. Der Wechselstrom erzeugt ein axiales magnetisches Feld im Inneren der Ionisationskammer. Dieses sich zeitlich ändernde magnetische Feld induziert ein zirkulares elektrisches Wechselfeld in der Ionisationskammer.Generic plasma generators are generally known as ion sources, electron sources or plasma sources and are used as ion sources, for example in ion engines for space technology. The plasma generator according to the invention is a high-frequency plasma generator. When this plasma generator is used in a high-frequency ion motor, a working fluid introduced into the ionization chamber, also called fuel or support fluid, is ionized by means of an alternating electromagnetic field and then thrust generated in the electrostatic field of an extraction provided on an open side of the ionization chamber Grid system accelerates. The ionization takes place in the ionization chamber, which is surrounded by a coil. The coil is traversed by a high-frequency alternating current. The alternating current creates an axial magnetic field inside the ionization chamber. This time-varying magnetic field induces a circular alternating electric field in the ionization chamber.
Dieses elektrische Wechselfeld beschleunigt freie Elektronen, so dass diese schließlich die notwendige Energie zur Elektronenstoß-Ionisation aufnehmen können. Atome des Treibstoffs werden dadurch ionisiert. Die Ionen werden entweder im Extraktions-Gittersystem beschleunigt oder sie rekombinieren an den Wänden mit Elektronen. Die frei werdenden Elektronen werden entweder im Feld beschleunigt oder können ihrerseits die notwendige Energie zur Ionisation aufnehmen oder laufen auf die Wände der Ionisationskammer auf und rekombinieren dort.This alternating electric field accelerates free electrons so that they finally absorb the necessary energy for electron impact ionization can. Atoms of the fuel are thereby ionized. The ions are either accelerated in the extraction lattice system or they recombine on the walls with electrons. The released electrons are either accelerated in the field or in turn can absorb the necessary energy for ionization or run on the walls of the ionization chamber and recombine there.
Grundsätzlich kann der in einer Ionenquelle erzeugte Ionenstrom zum Aufprägen einer definierten Energie für unterschiedlichste Prozesse verwendet werden, beim Einsatz als Ionen-Triebwerk wird die Beschleunigung der Ionen zur Schuberzeugung nach dem Rückstoßprinzip genutzt.In principle, the ion current generated in an ion source can be used to impose a defined energy for a very wide variety of processes. When used as an ion engine, the acceleration of the ions is used for thrust generation according to the recoil principle.
In herkömmlichen Ionenquellen, insbesondere in herkömmlichen Ionen-Triebwerken, findet nur eine geringe Anzahl der Ionen den Weg zum Extraktions-Gittersystem, während der größte Teil der erzeugten Ionen an den Wänden der Ionisationskammer rekombiniert. Nur jene Ionen, die das Extraktions-Gittersystem erreichen, stehen beim Einsatz als Ionen-Triebwerk für die Schuberzeugung oder beim Einsatz als allgemeine Ionenquelle für die Nutzung in anderen Prozessen zur Verfügung. Von der insgesamt zugeführten elektrischen Leistung können bisher nur etwa 5 % bis 20 % der elektrischen Leistung für diese Nutzung von Ionen in einer allgemeinen Ionenquelle beziehungsweise in einem Ionen-Triebwerk umgesetzt werden. Die verbleibende zugeführte elektrische Leistung wird größtenteils durch die Rekombination der Ionen an den Wänden der Ionisationskammer in Wärme und in Strahlung umgesetzt. Zur Erzeugung eines Ions ist eine minimale Ionisationsenergie Wi erforderlich. Bei der Rekombination an den Wänden wird Wi in Form von Wärme und Strahlung frei und steht somit weder für eine weitere Ionisation, noch für die Nutzung durch Beschleunigung im Extraktionsgitter zur Verfügung. Die Wandrekombination ist somit der größte Verlustfaktor bei der Hochfrequenzionisation.In conventional ion sources, especially in conventional ion engines, only a small number of ions find their way to the extraction lattice system, while most of the ions produced recombine on the walls of the ionization chamber. Only those ions that reach the extraction lattice system are available for use as an ion thruster for thruster generation or when used as a general ion source for use in other processes. Of the total electrical power supplied so far only about 5% to 20% of the electrical power for this use of ions in a general ion source or in an ion engine can be implemented. The remaining supplied electrical power is largely converted into heat and radiation by the recombination of the ions on the walls of the ionization chamber. To generate an ion, a minimum ionization energy Wi is required. Upon recombination on the walls, Wi is released in the form of heat and radiation and is therefore not available for further ionization or for use by acceleration in the extraction grid. The Wandrekombination is thus the largest loss factor in the high-frequency ionization.
Techniken zu Ionisierungskammern mit überlagerten elektromagnetischen Feldern sind in der
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, einen gattungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeuger so auszugestalten, dass der durch Rekombination der Ionen und/oder Elektronen an den Wänden der Ionisationskammer auftretende Leistungsverlust deutlich reduziert wird.Object of the present invention is therefore to design a generic plasma generator so that the power loss occurring by recombination of the ions and / or electrons on the walls of the ionization chamber is significantly reduced.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch den Plasmaerzeuger mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the plasma generator having the features of
Dabei ist zusätzlich zu der bekannten Hochfrequenz-Wechselstrom eine weitere Stromquelle oder Spannungsquelle vorgesehen, die so ausgebildet ist, dass zumindest eine Spule der Spulenanordnung mit einem Wechselstrom von niedrigerer Frequenz, als der von der Hochfrequenz-Wechselstromquelle gelieferte Strom, beaufschlagt wird. Der hierdurch zusätzlich in die Spulenanordnung eingespeiste Wechselstrom niedrigerer Frequenz überlagert dem hochfrequenten magnetischen Wechselfeld einen Anteil eines niedriger frequenten magnetischen Wechselfelds. In dieser Anmeldung wird das Vorsehen von Stromquellen beschrieben; es können stattdessen auch Spannungsquellen vorgesehen sein.In this case, in addition to the known high-frequency alternating current, a further current source or voltage source is provided, which is designed so that at least one coil of the coil assembly with an alternating current of lower frequency than the supplied from the high-frequency AC power source, is applied. The thereby additionally fed into the coil assembly AC lower frequency superimposed on the high-frequency magnetic alternating field a proportion of a lower-frequency alternating magnetic field. In this application the provision of power sources is described; it may instead be provided voltage sources.
Auf bewegte Ladungsträger wirkt im magnetischen Feld die Lorentz-Kraft
zu reduzieren (sogenanntes "Confinement"). Da die Bewegung der Elektronen und Ionen aus dem Inneren der Ionisationskammer zu den Wänden und zum Extraktions-Gittersystem ambipolar erfolgt, wird der Fluss der Ionen zu den Wänden ebenfalls entsprechend reduziert. Auf diese Weise ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit der Kollision von Ladungsträgern mit den Wänden und damit der Rekombination von Ionen und/oder Elektronen an den Wänden bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeuger deutlich herabgesetzt. Die Ionen, die sich in der Sollrichtung, das ist bei einem Ionen-Triebwerk die Richtung parallel zur Längsachse auf das Extraktions-Gittersystem hin, bewegen, bewegen sich parallel zu den magnetischen Feldlinien und werden durch das zusätzlich aufgebrachte Wechselfeld niedrigerer Frequenz, in ihrer Bewegung dorthin nicht behindert.to reduce (so-called "Confinement"). Since the movement of the electrons and ions from the interior of the ionization chamber to the walls and to the extraction grating system is ambipolar, the flow of ions to the walls is also correspondingly reduced. In this way, the probability of collision of charge carriers with the walls and thus the recombination of ions and / or electrons on the walls in the plasma generator according to the invention is significantly reduced. The ions that move in the desired direction, that is, in an ion engine, the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis on the extraction grid system, move parallel to the magnetic field lines and by the additionally applied alternating field of lower frequency, in their movement not handicapped there.
Der dem durch die Spulenanordnung fließenden hochfrequenten Wechselstrom überlagerte Wechselstrom niedrigerer Frequenz, ist so zu wählen, dass er ausreichend ist, um in der Ionisationskammer ein magnetisches Feld gewünschter Höhe zu erhalten. Das Gas im Inneren der Ionenquelle, also in der Ionisationskammer, stellt ein Plasma dar. Wird einem Plasma ein inhomogenes Magnetfeld überlagert, so bewegt sich das Plasma in Richtung des schwächer werdenden Magnetfelds (Gradientendrift): Unter entsprechender Gestaltung der Geometrie der Spulenanordnung ist es möglich, durch Gradientendrift die Ladungsträger im Plasma verstärkt in der Sollrichtung, z. B. in Richtung auf das Extraktions-Gittersystem hin zu bewegen.The alternating current of lower frequency superimposed on the high-frequency alternating current flowing through the coil arrangement should be chosen such that it is sufficient to obtain a magnetic field of desired height in the ionization chamber. The gas in the interior of the ion source, ie in the ionization chamber, represents a plasma. If an inhomogeneous magnetic field is superimposed on a plasma, the plasma moves in the direction of the weakening magnetic field (gradient drift): With appropriate design of the geometry of the coil arrangement, it is possible , By gradient drift, the charge carriers in the plasma reinforced in the desired direction, z. B. in the direction of the extraction grid system to move.
Mit der Erfindung ist es somit möglich, die Wandverluste in der Ionisationskammer von Plasmaerzeuger, wie Ionenquellen, insbesondere von Ionen-Triebwerken, zu reduzieren, ohne die grundlegende Konstruktionsweise der bisher bekannten Ionenquellen beziehungsweise Ionen-Triebwerken ändern zu müssen. Die Erfindung kann zudem dazu verwendet werden, um die Verteilung der Plasmadichte in der Ionisationskammer zu steuern. Sie kann auch dazu verwendet werden, um zusammen mit der Gestaltung der Ionisationskammer und der Spulenanordnung die Wandverluste zu minimieren. Außerdem kann beimWith the invention, it is thus possible to reduce the wall losses in the ionization chamber of plasma generators, such as ion sources, in particular of ion engines, without having to change the basic design of the previously known ion sources or ion engines. The invention can also be used to control the distribution of plasma density in the ionization chamber. It can also be used to minimize wall losses along with the design of the ionization chamber and coil assembly. In addition, at
Plasmaerzeuger gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung bei geeigneter Gestaltung der Ionisationskammer und der Spulenanordnung die Homogenität des Plasmas in der Ionisationskammer optimiert werden. Die Erfindung kann auch dazu verwendet werden, um die Plasmadichte in gewünschten Bereichen der Ionisationskammer zu erhöhen. Sie kann aber auch dazu verwendet werden, um den Elektronenstrom aus einer Elektronenquelle zu erhöhen.Plasma generator according to the present invention with a suitable design of the ionization chamber and the coil assembly, the homogeneity of the plasma in the ionization chamber can be optimized. The invention can also be used to increase the plasma density in desired regions of the ionization chamber. However, it can also be used to increase the electron current from an electron source.
Weitere bevorzugte und vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungsmerkmale des erfindungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeugers sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.
Der Plasmaerzeuger kann als Plasmaquelle, als Elektronenquelle oder als Ionenquelle ausgebildet sein.Further preferred and advantageous design features of the plasma generator according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.
The plasma generator can be designed as a plasma source, as an electron source or as an ion source.
In einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist im Bereich der Auslassöffnung eine Beschleunigungseinrichtung für in der Ionisationskammer gebildete Ionen oder Elektronen vorgesehen.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an acceleration device for ions or electrons formed in the ionization chamber is provided in the region of the outlet opening.
Diese Beschleunigungseinrichtung, die im Falle einer Ionenquelle vorzugsweise ein elektrisch positiv aufgeladenes Gitter und ein in Ausströmrichtung der Ionen aus der Ionisationskammer hinter dem positiven Gitter gelegenes negativ aufgeladenes Gitter aufweist, dient dazu, die in der Ionisationskammer entstehenden Ionen in eine Richtung rechtwinklig zur Ebene der Gitter aus der Ionisationskammer heraus zu beschleunigen und so einen Ionenausstoß aus der Ionenquelle herbeizuführen. Die Gitter bilden ein Extraktions-Gittersystem. Im Fall einer Elektronenquelle ist die Reihenfolge der Gitter und damit die Polarität vertauscht.This accelerator device, which in the case of an ion source preferably has an electrically positively charged grid and a negatively charged grid located in the outflow direction of the ions from the ionization chamber behind the positive grid, serves to move the ions formed in the ionization chamber in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the grid accelerate out of the ionization chamber and thus cause an ion ejection from the ion source. The grids form an extraction grating system. In the case of an electron source, the order of the gratings and thus the polarity is reversed.
Vorzugsweise ist eine derartige Ionenquelle Bestandteil eines Ionen-Triebwerks.Preferably, such an ion source is part of an ion engine.
In einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist in Stromabwärtsrichtung des die Ionisationskammer verlassenden Ionenstroms ein Elektroneninjektor vorgesehen, der auf den Ionenstrom gerichtet ist und der zur Neutralisation des Ionenstroms eingerichtet ist, wobei der Elektroneninjektor vorzugsweise eine Hohlkathode aufweist. Mittels einer derartigen Neutralisation kann verhindert werden, dass sich die Ionenquelle beziehungsweise das mit der Ionenquelle verbundene Gerät elektrostatisch auflädt.In a preferred refinement, an electron injector is provided in the downstream direction of the ion stream leaving the ionization chamber, said electron injector being directed towards the ion stream and being adapted to neutralize the ion stream, the electron injector preferably being a hollow cathode having. By means of such neutralization, it is possible to prevent the ion source or the device connected to the ion source from being electrostatically charged.
In einer anderen Weiterbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Ionenquelle ist eine Magnetanordnung vorgesehen, die die Ionisationskammer umgibt.In another development of the ion source according to the invention, a magnet arrangement is provided which surrounds the ionization chamber.
Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausgestaltung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass die Spulenanordnung eine Hochfrequenz-Spule aufweist, die an eine hochfrequente elektrische Wechselspannung angeschlossen ist, um den Hochfrequenz-Wechselstrom in die Spule einzuleiten, und dass der von einer Gleichspannung erzeugte Gleichstrom ebenfalls direkt in die Hochfrequenz-Spule eingeleitet wird.A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the coil arrangement has a high-frequency coil which is connected to a high-frequency electrical AC voltage to initiate the high-frequency alternating current into the coil, and that the direct current generated by a DC voltage also directly into the high frequency Coil is initiated.
Die Einspeisung des Gleichstroms kann dabei vorzugsweise an einem anderen Ort der Hochfrequenz-Spule erfolgen, als die Einspeisung des hochfrequenten Wechselstroms.The feeding of the direct current can preferably take place at a different location of the high-frequency coil than the feeding of the high-frequency alternating current.
Alternativ kann die Einspeisung des Gleichstroms in eine parallel zur Hochfrequenz-Spule angeordnete Gleichstrom-Spule erfolgen.Alternatively, the feeding of the direct current into a parallel coil arranged to the high-frequency coil DC coil.
Vorzugsweise ist der Gleichstrom regelbar und es ist eine Regelungseinrichtung vorgesehen, die den Gleichstrom zum Beispiel proportional zum aus der Ionisationskammer austretenden Ionenstrom regelt.The direct current can preferably be regulated, and a regulating device is provided which regulates the direct current, for example, proportionally to the ion current emerging from the ionization chamber.
Der das Verfahren betreffende Teil der Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 10. Bei diesem Verfahren wird das Plasma zusätzlich zum hochfrequenten elektromagnetischen Wechselfeld einem elektromagnetischen Wechselfeld mit einer niedrigeren Frequenz als das hochfrequente elektromagnetische Wechselfeld unterworfen.The part of the object relating to the method is achieved by a method having the features of
Bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung mit zusätzlichen Ausgestaltungsdetails und weiteren Vorteilen sind nachfolgend unter Bezugnahme auf die beigefügten Zeichnungen näher beschrieben und erläutert.Preferred embodiments of the invention with additional design details and other advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Es zeigt:
-
Fig. 1 Einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch ein Ionen-Triebwerk; -
Fig. 2 ein elektrisches Schaltbild der Stromversorgung eines als Ionenquelle ausgebildeten Plasmaerzeugers nach einer ersten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; -
Fig. 3 ein elektrisches Schaltbild der Stromversorgung eines als Ionenquelle ausgebildeten Plasmaerzeugers nach einer zweiten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; -
Fig. 4 ein elektrisches Schaltbild der Stromversorgung eines als Ionenquelle ausgebildeten Plasmaerzeugers nach einer dritten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; -
Fig. 5 ein elektrisches Schaltbild der Stromversorgung eines als Ionenquelle ausgebildeten Plasmaerzeugers nach einer vierten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; -
Fig. 6 ein elektrisches Schaltbild der Stromversorgung eines als Ionenquelle ausgebildeten Plasmaerzeugers nach einer fünften Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung; -
Fig. 7A ein schematisches Schaltbild einer Spulenanordnung für eine Ausführungsform des Plasmaerzeugers als Elektronenquelle oder Ionenquelle mit außenliegender Spule; -
Fig. 7B ein schematisches Schaltbild einer Spulenanordnung für eine Ausführungsform des Plasmaerzeugers als Elektronenquelle oder - Ionenquelle mit innenliegender Spule;
-
Fig. 8A eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeugers als Plasmaquelle; -
Fig. 8B eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeugers als Plasmaquelle zur Durchführung von plasmachemischen Prozessen; -
Fig. 9 ein Schaubild betreffend den zeitlichen Verlauf des Spulenstroms, des induzierten magnetischen Flusses und des elektrischen Feldes bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Plasmaerzeuger; -
Fig. 10 ein Schaubild betreffend den Spulenstrom im Falle einer Gleichstrom-Überlagerung; und -
Fig. 11 den vom Spulenstrom bei aufgeprägtem Gleichstromanteil induzierten magnetischen Fluss.
-
Fig. 1 A schematic longitudinal section through an ion engine; -
Fig. 2 an electrical diagram of the power supply of an ion source formed as a plasma generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 3 an electrical circuit diagram of the power supply of an ion source formed as a plasma generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 4 an electrical circuit diagram of the power supply of an ion source formed as a plasma generator according to a third embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 5 an electrical circuit diagram of the power supply of an ion source formed as a plasma generator according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 6 an electrical circuit diagram of the power supply of an ion source formed as a plasma generator according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; -
Fig. 7A a schematic diagram of a coil assembly for an embodiment of the plasma generator as an electron source or ion source with external coil; -
Fig. 7B a schematic diagram of a coil assembly for an embodiment of the plasma generator as an electron source or - Ion source with internal coil;
-
Fig. 8A a schematic representation of a plasma generator according to the invention as a plasma source; -
Fig. 8B a schematic representation of a plasma generator according to the invention as a plasma source for performing plasma-chemical processes; -
Fig. 9 a graph relating to the time course of the coil current, the induced magnetic flux and the electric field in a plasma generator according to the invention; -
Fig. 10 a diagram concerning the coil current in the case of a DC superposition; and -
Fig. 11 the magnetic flux induced by the coil current with imprinted DC component.
Das Gehäuse 20 besitzt eine becherförmige Gestalt und ist an der in
Der Gehäuseboden 24 weist im Bereich der Achse X eine zentrale Öffnung 27 auf, durch die ein Rohr 3 in Axialrichtung von außen hindurchgeführt ist. Das Rohr 3 öffnet sich im Inneren des Gehäuses 20 der Ionenquelle 2. Außerhalb der Ionenquelle 2 ist die das Rohr 3 mit einer (nicht gezeichneten) Quelle für ein Arbeitsfluid derart verbunden, dass das Arbeitsfluid mittels einer (nicht gezeichneten) Fördereinrichtung durch das Rohr 3 in das Innere der Ionenquelle 2 eingeleitet werden kann. Das Rohr 3 bildet so eine Arbeitsfluidzuführung 30 für die Ionenquelle.The
Das Gehäuse 20 der Ionenquelle 2 ist in seinem ersten zylindrischen Abschnitt 23 mit Wicklungen 40 einer elektrischen Spulenanordnung 4 umgeben.The
Im Inneren des Gehäuses 20 der wie vorstehend ausgebildeten Ionenquelle 2 ist somit eine Ionisationskammer 5 gebildet. Vor der Austrittsöffnung 21 des Gehäuses 20 ist eine Extraktions-Gitteranordnung 6 vorgesehen, die ein der Austrittsöffnung 21 zugewandtes, elektrisch positiv geladenes Gitter 60 und ein von der Austrittsöffnung 21 abgewandtes, elektrisch negativ geladenes Gitter 62 aufweist. Durch die Extraktions-Gitteranordnung 6 können Ionen, wie weiter unten noch beschrieben wird, beim Betrieb der Ionenquelle 2 nach außen parallel zur Achse X (in
Außerhalb des Gehäuses 20 der Ionenquelle 2 ist in der Nähe der Austrittsöffnung 21 und des Extraktions-Gitters 6 ein Elektroneninjektor 7 vorgesehen, der als Hohlkathode ausgebildet ist und der an einen Arbeitsfluidvorrat angeschlossen ist. Mittels des Elektroneninjektors 7 können Elektronen in den aus der Ionenquelle 2 austretenden Ionenstrom 8 injiziert werden, um so den Ionenstrom 8 elektrisch zu neutralisieren.Outside the
Im Betrieb der Ionenquelle 2 wird ein Arbeitsfluid, beispielsweise Xenon-Gas, durch die Arbeitsfluidzuführung 30 in die Ionisationskammer 5 der Ionenquelle 2 eingeleitet. Durch Anlegen einer hochfrequenten elektrischen Wechselspannung an eine Hochfrequenz-Spule der Spulenanordnung 4 wird innerhalb der Ionisationskammer 5 ein Plasma erzeugt, indem Elektronen zur Kollision mit Atomen gebracht werden, um Ionen zu erzeugen. Die Ionen, die aufgrund des mittels der Spule 4 angelegten elektrischen Wechselfelds parallel zur Längsachse X in Richtung der Austrittsöffnung 21 wandern, werden in der Extraktions-Gitteranordnung 6 beschleunigt und treten als Ionenstrom 8 mit hoher Geschwindigkeit aus der Ionenquelle 2 aus, wodurch eine Schubkraft auf die Ionenquelle 2 als Rückstoßkraft der austretenden Ionen wirkt.During operation of the
Das Gas im Inneren des Gehäuses 20 der Ionenquelle 2, also in der Ionisationskammer 5, stellt ein Plasma dar. Wird einem Plasma ein inhomogenes Magnetfeld überlagert, so bewegt sich das Plasma in Richtung des schwächer werdenden Magnetfelds, was als "Gradientendrift" bezeichnet wird. Durch geeignete Gestaltung der Spulengeometrie der Spulen in der Spulenanordnung 4 ist es möglich, durch Gradientendrift die Ladungsträger im Plasma verstärkt in Richtung auf die Austrittsöffnung 21 hin, also auf die Extraktions-Gitteranordnung 6 hin, zu bewegen.The gas in the interior of the
Dazu wird in eine Hochfrequenz-Spule der Spulenanordnung 4 ein hochfrequenter Wechselstrom eingespeist. Zudem wird bei dieser Ionenquelle in einen Schwingkreis, der die Hochfrequenz-Spule und einen Hochfrequenz-Generator als Wechselstromquelle aufweist, ein Gleichstrom eingespeist. Die Größe des Gleichstroms wird durch entsprechende Steuervorrichtungen einer zugeordneten Gleichstromquelle gesteuert. Der Stromkreis, der die Gleichstromquelle enthält, wird durch geeignete Filter gegen die Hochfrequenzanteile abgeschottet. Derartige Filter sind in bekannter Weise durch ein Netzwerk aus zumindest einer Spule und zumindest einem Kondensator gebildet. Alternativ ist es auch möglich, einen Generator zu verwenden, der neben dem Wechselstrom einen Gleichstromanteil liefert.For this purpose, a high-frequency alternating current is fed into a high-frequency coil of the
Alternativ zu der Schaltung aus
In der in
Eine andere alternative Ausgestaltungsform ist in
Bei der in
Für die Überlagerung des Hochfrequenz-Wechselstroms in der Spulenanordnung S mit einem Gleichstrom oder einem r Wechselstrom niedriger Frequenz kann die Ionenquelle 1' als Ionenquelle mit außenliegender Spule beziehungsweise außenliegenden Spulen ausgestaltet sein, wie dies in
In
Die in den
Die gezeigten Plasmaerzeuger können auch in einer Plasmaquelle Verwendung finden, in die ein Arbeitsgas A eingeleitet wird und aus der ein Gemisch C aus Ionen, Elektronen und neutralen Teilchen (Plasma) austritt, wie in
Wie in
Die
In
Kern der vorliegenden Erfindung ist somit die Überlagerung des Wechselstroms in der Hochfrequenzspule der Spulenanordnung 4 eines Plasmaerzeugers, z. B. einer Elektronenquelle, einer Plasmaquelle, einer Ionenquelle oder eines Ionentriebwerks. Dadurch werden die Wandverluste durch magnetischen Einschluss der Elektronen in der Ionisationskammer reduziert. Dieser Einschluss der Elektronen in der Ionisationskammer kann auch zeitlich gesteuert erfolgen. Der magnetische Einschluss der Elektronen in der Ionisationskammer kann außerdem zur Kontrolle oder Steuerung der Plasmadichte-Verteilung in der Ionisationskammer erfolgen. Auch hier kann der magnetische Einschluss zeitgesteuert durchgeführt werden, um die Plasmadichte-Verteilung in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit zu steuern.The core of the present invention is thus the superposition of the alternating current in the high frequency coil of the
Die Einspeisung des hochfrequenten Wechselstroms und des Gleichstroms kann vorzugsweise direkt in die Hochfrequenz-Wechselstromspule der Spulenanordnung 4 erfolgen, so dass Wechselstrom und Gleichstrom in dieselbe Spule eingespeist werden. Die Hochfrequenzspule kann einlagig oder mehrlagig ausgeführt sein. Sie kann mit Mittelanzapfung oder Teilanzapfung(en) zur beidseitigen Erdung der Anschlüsse ausgeführt sein, wobei die Wicklungen gegensinnig gewickelt sind. Die Gleichstromeinspeisung kann über eine Anzapfung erfolgen, so dass der Gleichstrom nur über einen Teil der Windungen in die Spule eingeleitet wird.The feeding of the high-frequency alternating current and the direct current can preferably take place directly into the high-frequency alternating-current coil of the
Alternativ kann die Einspeisung des Gleichstroms statt in die Hochfrequenz-Spule in eine in geeigneter Weise parallel zur Hochfrequenz-Spule liegende Spule einer bifilaren Anordnung erfolgen. Die Gleichstromspule kann die gleiche, eine kleinere oder auch eine höhere Windungszahl besitzen, als die Hochfrequenz-Spule. Die Hochfrequenz-Spule kann einen oder mehrere Einspeisepunkte aufweisen. Dabei kann die Einspeisung des Gleichstroms aus einer oder mehreren Gleichstromquellen erfolgen, wobei im Falle von mehreren Gleichstromquellen diese entweder einen gleichgroßen Strom oder unterschiedlich große Ströme durch die Spule beziehungsweise die Windungen liefern.Alternatively, the direct current can be fed instead of into the high-frequency coil into a coil of a bifilar arrangement which is suitably parallel to the high-frequency coil. The DC coil may have the same, a smaller or higher number of turns than the high-frequency coil. The high frequency coil may have one or more feed points. In this case, the feeding of the direct current from one or more DC sources can take place, wherein in the case of several DC sources, these deliver either an equal current or different sized currents through the coil or windings.
Die gesamte Spulenanordnung ist vorzugsweise so ausgelegt, dass sich die Einspeisung des hochfrequenten Wechselstroms und die Einspeisung des Gleichstroms nicht gegenseitig beeinflussen. Die Einspeisung des hochfrequenten Wechselstroms kann mittels einer PLL-Phasenregelung erfolgen. Die Hochfrequenz-Wechselstromspule kann Teil eines Serienresonanzkreises oder eines Parallelresonanzkreises sein.The entire coil arrangement is preferably designed so that the supply of the high-frequency alternating current and the supply of the direct current do not influence each other. The feeding of the high-frequency alternating current can be done by means of a PLL phase control. The high frequency AC coil may be part of a series resonant circuit or a parallel resonant circuit.
Die Hochfrequenz-Spule und/oder die Gleichstrom-Spule können entweder außerhalb oder auch innerhalb des Gehäuses 20 des Plasmaerzeugers angeordnet sein. Das Gehäuse des Plasmaerzeugers kann als Zylinder, Kegel oder in anderer Formgestaltung ausgestaltet sein.The high-frequency coil and / or the DC coil can be arranged either outside or inside the
Zur optimalen Verteilung des magnetischen Feldes kann die Spule anstatt eine zylindrischen Gestalt auch jede andere Form aufweisen. So kann beispielsweise die Steigung der Windungen ungleichförmig sein. Auch können die Windungen in unterschiedlichen Abständen voneinander angeordnet sein. Die Windung kann beispielsweise mäanderförmig sein. Mittels der Spule kann ein Ringfeld (cusp-Feld) oder ein multipolares Feld erzeugt werden. Über eine Vielzahl von entlang der Hochfrequenz-Spule verteilten Einspeisepunkten kann auch eine beliebige Verteilung des magnetischen Feldes erzielt werden.For optimal distribution of the magnetic field, the coil may have any other shape instead of a cylindrical shape. For example, the pitch of the turns may be non-uniform. Also, the windings may be arranged at different distances from each other. The winding may be meandering, for example. By means of the coil, a ring field (cusp field) or a multipolar field can be generated. Any distribution of the magnetic field can also be achieved via a multiplicity of feed-in points distributed along the high-frequency coil.
Der Gleichstrom kann zur optimalen Anpassung des magnetischen Feldes steuerbar oder regelbar sein, zum Beispiel bei einer Ionenquelle oder einem Ionentriebwerk entsprechend dem austretenden Ionenstrom, der beim Ionentriebwerk proportional zum Schub ist.The DC current may be controllable or controllable for optimum adaptation of the magnetic field, for example, at an ion source or an ion engine corresponding to the exiting ion current, which is proportional to the thrust in the ion engine.
Bezugszeichen in den Ansprüchen, der Beschreibung und den Zeichnungen dienen lediglich dem besseren Verständnis der Erfindung und sollen den Schutzumfang nicht einschränken.Reference signs in the claims, the description and the drawings are only for the better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope.
Die Ausführungsformen betreffend Gleichstrom und/oder Gleichspannung in der gesamten Beschreibung sind nicht Teil der Erfindung.The DC and / or DC voltage embodiments throughout the specification are not part of the invention.
Es bezeichnen:
- 1
- Ionen-Triebwerk
- 2
- Ionenquelle
- 3
- Rohr
- 4
- elektrische Spulenanordnung
- 5
- Ionisationskammer
- 6
- Extraktions-Gitteranordnung
- 7
- Elektroneninjektor
- 8
- Ionenstrom
- 20
- Gehäuse
- 21
- Austrittsöffnung
- 22
- Gehäusewand
- 23
- erster zylindrischer Gehäuseabschnitt
- 24
- Gehäuseboden
- 25
- zweiter zylindrischer Gehäuseabschnitt
- 26
- kegellstumpfförmiger Gehäuseabschnitt
- 27
- zentrale Öffnung
- 28
- Isolationsabschnitt
- 30
- Arbeitsfluidzuführung
- 40
- Wicklungen
- 60
- elektrisch positiv geladenes Gitter
- 62
- elektrisch negativ geladenes Gitter
- 1
- Ion thruster
- 2
- ion source
- 3
- pipe
- 4
- electric coil arrangement
- 5
- ionization chamber
- 6
- Extraction grid array
- 7
- electron injector
- 8th
- ion current
- 20
- casing
- 21
- outlet opening
- 22
- housing wall
- 23
- first cylindrical housing section
- 24
- caseback
- 25
- second cylindrical housing section
- 26
- truncated cone-shaped housing section
- 27
- central opening
- 28
- insulating section
- 30
- Working fluid supply
- 40
- windings
- 60
- electrically positively charged grid
- 62
- electrically negatively charged grid
Claims (8)
- Plasma generator comprising:a housing (20) surrounding an ionization chamber (5);at least one working fluid supply line (30) leading into the ionization chamber, the ionization chamber (5) having at least one outlet opening (21);at least one electric coil arrangement (4) surrounding at least one area of the ionization chamber (5);wherein the coil arrangement (4) is electrically connected with a high frequency alternating current source (AC) which is constructed such that it applies a high frequency electric alternating current to at least a first high frequency coil (S, S1) of the coil arrangement,characterized in that:a further current source (DC) is provided which is constructed such that it applies at least to the first (S, S1) or to a second coil (S2) of the coil arrangement (4) an alternating current of a frequency lower than that of the current supplied by the high frequency alternating current source (AC), wherein the alternating current of lower frequency is also directly applied to the high frequency coil (S, S1) or the alternating current of lower frequency is applied to the second coil (S2) which is arranged parallel to the high frequency coil (S, S1).
- Plasma generator according to claim 1,
characterized in that:the plasma generator is an ion source. - Plasma generator according to claim 2,
characterized in that:an accelerating device (6) for ions formed in the ionization chamber (5) is in an area of the outlet opening (21). - Plasma generator according to claim 3,
characterized in that:the accelerating device (6) has an electrically positively charged lattice (60) and a negatively charged lattice (62) situated behind the positive lattice (60) in the outflow direction of the ions from the ionization chamber (5). - Plasma generator according to claim 4,
characterized in that:the ion source is an ion engine. - Plasma generator according to one of claims 3 to 5,
characterized in that:an electron injector (7) is provided in the downstream direction of the ion current leaving the ionization chamber (5) the electron injector (7) being aimed at the ion current and being set up for neutralizing the ion current, wherein the electron injector (7) preferentially has a hollow cathode. - Plasma generator according to any of the preceding claims,
characterized in that:a magnet arrangement is provided which surrounds the ionization chamber (5). - Method of controlling a plasma generator, especially an ion source, in which a plasma generated in the plasma generator is set in motion by means of a high frequency electric or electromagnetic alternating field,
characterized in that:the plasma is subject, in addition to the high frequency electromagnetic alternating field, to an electromagnetic alternating field which is of lower frequency and superimposed to the high frequency electromagnetic alternating field, wherein the plasma generator comprises a coil arrangement having a high frequency coil (S, S1) which is connected to a high frequency electric alternating voltage for applying a high frequency alternating current to the high frequency coil (S, S1) for generating the high frequency electromagnetic alternating field, wherein for generating the electromagnetic alternating field of lower frequency an alternating current of lower frequency is also applied directly to the high frequency coil (S, S1) or the alternating current of lower frequency is applied to a coil (S2) which is arranged parallel to the high frequency coil.
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DE102008022181.3A DE102008022181B4 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2008-05-05 | Ion engine |
PCT/DE2009/000615 WO2009135471A1 (en) | 2008-05-05 | 2009-04-29 | Plasma generator and method for controlling a plasma generator |
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US (1) | US8786192B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2277188B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2011522357A (en) |
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DE102008058212B4 (en) | 2008-11-19 | 2011-07-07 | Astrium GmbH, 81667 | Ion propulsion for a spacecraft |
JP5950715B2 (en) * | 2012-06-22 | 2016-07-13 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Power supply |
US20140360670A1 (en) * | 2013-06-05 | 2014-12-11 | Tokyo Electron Limited | Processing system for non-ambipolar electron plasma (nep) treatment of a substrate with sheath potential |
RU2578192C2 (en) * | 2014-10-06 | 2016-03-27 | Геннадий Леонидович Багич | Method of radiating energy and device therefor (plasma emitter) |
US10823158B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2020-11-03 | Georgia Tech Research Corporation | Deployable gridded ion thruster |
RU177495U1 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2018-02-28 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Томский государственный архитектурно-строительный университет" (ТГАСУ) | DEVICE FOR VOLUME-THERMAL PLASMA TREATMENT OF WOODEN PRODUCTS |
US11205562B2 (en) | 2018-10-25 | 2021-12-21 | Tokyo Electron Limited | Hybrid electron beam and RF plasma system for controlled content of radicals and ions |
CN114776547A (en) * | 2022-03-28 | 2022-07-22 | 广州大学 | Fuel-free satellite propulsion device and propulsion method |
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2008
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- 2009-04-29 KR KR1020107027366A patent/KR101360684B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2009-04-29 EP EP09741744.8A patent/EP2277188B1/en active Active
- 2009-04-29 WO PCT/DE2009/000615 patent/WO2009135471A1/en active Application Filing
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DE102008022181A1 (en) | 2009-11-19 |
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US8786192B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 |
EP2277188A1 (en) | 2011-01-26 |
RU2010149265A (en) | 2012-06-27 |
WO2009135471A1 (en) | 2009-11-12 |
DE102008022181B4 (en) | 2019-05-02 |
JP6000325B2 (en) | 2016-09-28 |
JP2015097209A (en) | 2015-05-21 |
RU2525442C2 (en) | 2014-08-10 |
US20120019143A1 (en) | 2012-01-26 |
JP2011522357A (en) | 2011-07-28 |
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