Abstract: A neutralizer suitable for use in an ion engine comprises a halogen gas source and an electrode tube comprising an inlet opening connected to the halogen gas source for supplying a halogen gas provided by the halogen gas source into the electrode tube, a discharge space for generating a plasma from the halogen gas supplied into the electrode tube, and an outlet opening for discharging the plasma generated in the discharge space and free electrons from the electrode tube. An electron emitter is arranged in the discharge space of the electrode tube, which is at least partially made of tungsten, a tungsten alloy or a tungsten composite material containing at least one of iridium, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Abstract: A neutralizer suitable for use in an ion engine comprises a halogen gas source and an electrode tube comprising an inlet opening connected to the halogen gas source for supplying a halogen gas provided by the halogen gas source into the electrode tube, a discharge space for generating a plasma from the halogen gas supplied into the electrode tube, and an outlet opening for discharging the plasma generated in the discharge space and free electrons from the electrode tube. An electron emitter is arranged in the discharge space of the electrode tube, which is at least partially made of tungsten, a tungsten alloy or a tungsten composite material containing at least one of iridium, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium and osmium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion accelerator arrangement which uses a combination of a magnetic field having a cusp structure and a cross-section of an ionisation chamber that is extended in one direction transversally in relation to the longitudinal axis. This enables the ionic current to be advantageously scaled.

Abstract: For an ion accelerator system having a special magnetic field structure with an alternating predominantly longitudinal and crosswise progression of the magnetic field, a geometry of the ionization chamber having a non-cylindrical shape of the chamber wall that is adapted to the progression of the magnetic field is proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to various advantageous embodiments of a plasma-accelerator configuration, especially for the configuration and design of electron sources used for ionizing the working gas and/or neutralizing the discharged plasma jet.

Abstract: A multistage plasma accelerator system includes at least one intermediate electrode between the plasma chamber between electrodes that include each other. An especially good efficiency can be achieved by way of an uneven distribution of potential to the potential stages formed by the plurality of electrodes having a high potential gradient of the last stage, when the plasma beam emerges, and by a special shape of the magnetic field prevailing in the plasma chamber of the last stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion accelerator arrangement which uses a combination of a magnetic field having a cusp structure and a cross-section of an ionisation chamber that is extended in one direction transversally in relation to the longitudinal axis. This enables the ionic current to be advantageously scaled.

Abstract: For an ion accelerator system having a special magnetic field structure with an alternating predominantly longitudinal and crosswise progression of the magnetic field, a geometry of the ionization chamber having a non-cylindrical shape of the chamber wall that is adapted to the progression of the magnetic field is proposed.

Abstract: A multistage plasma accelerator system includes at least one intermediate electrode between the plasma chamber between electrodes that include each other. An especially good efficiency can be achieved by way of an uneven distribution of potential to the potential stages formed by the plurality of electrodes having a high potential gradient of the last stage, when the plasma beam emerges, and by a special shape of the magnetic field prevailing in the plasma chamber of the last stage.

Abstract: For a plasma accelerator arrangement having a toroidal plasma chamber, a novel structure of the magnetic and/or electric fields is proposed which, in particular, permits multi-stage embodiments with substantially improved efficiency.

Abstract: For a plasma accelerator arrangement having a focused electron beam introduced into a plasma chamber, an annular structure of the chamber and a hollow cylindrical form of the electron beam are presented. A beam-guiding magnet system and, if appropriate, an electrode system is preferably formed in a plurality of stages in an adapted toroidal form.

Abstract: The invention relates to various advantageous embodiments of a plasma-accelerator configuration, especially for the configuration and design of electron sources used for ionizing the working gas and/or neutralizing the discharged plasma jet.

Abstract: For a plasma accelerator arrangement having a focused electron beam introduced into a plasma chamber, an annular structure of the chamber and a hollow cylindrical form of the electron beam are presented. A beam-guiding magnet system and, if appropriate, an electrode system is preferably formed in a plurality of stages in an adapted toroidal form.

Abstract: For a plasma accelerator arrangement having a toroidal plasma chamber, a novel structure of the magnetic and/or electric fields is proposed which, in particular, permits multi-stage embodiments with substantially improved efficiency.

Abstract: For a plasma accelerator arrangement in particular for use as an ion thruster in a spacecraft, a structure is proposed in connection with which an accelerated electron beam is admitted into an ionization chamber with fuel gas, and is guided through the ionization chamber in the form of a focused beam against an electric deceleration field, said electric deceleration field acting at the same time as an acceleration field for the fuel ions produced by ionization. The arrangement generates a focused beam of a largely neutral plasma with a high degree of efficiency. Configurations for electric and magnetic fields for guiding and focusing the beams are given by way of example.