Work

Performance study on the low-power RF ion thruster with an optimized grid system

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A low-power 13.56 MHz radio frequency (RF) ion thruster with an optimized grid system was developed and its performance was experimentally evaluated. The thruster employs an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source and a two-grid ion optics system. Optimization of the screen grid (SG) and acceleration grid (AG) was performed using ion beam trajectory simulations. The performance measurement demonstrated a maximum thrust of 1.2 mN and a specific impulse of 1250 s at an RF power of 100 W and a xenon flow rate of 1 SCCM (0.1 mg/s). The study also investigated the influence of SG voltage and RF power on thruster performance, and simulation results confirmed the experimentally observed ion beam current behavior. The developed RF ion thruster shows a promising potential for mini- and microsatellite propulsion system.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0293389

Authors: Kil-Byoung Chai, Min Park, Hyo-Chang Lee

Institutions: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy, Korea Aerospace University

Language: English

Topic: Plasma Diagnostics and Applications

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500