Compact Permanent Magnet Hexapole ECR Ion Thruster

Abstract

Demonstrated a new type of coaxial ECR thruster, the compact hexapole ECR ion thruster. Hexapole magnets and magnetic mirrors are used to build a small ECR ion thruster. Two annular N52 neodymium magnets are used to construct the structure of the magnetic mirror. The discharge chamber outlet will form a magnetic nozzle to eject plasma to obtain thrust. On this basis, a hexapole magnet is added to restrict the movement of electrons in the radial direction. It will construct a high-density electronic cyclotron resonance zone in a space that will cause the passing gas molecules to be bombarded by electrons and ionize into ions. The simulation results show that in the thruster axial direction and radial direction, the coverage of the ECR resonance surface is 100 &#x0025; and 85 &#x0025;, respectively. At present, the institution has completed and achieved good preliminary experimental results. It will be used in the ion generator of the ion thruster. Argon is used to verify the experiment. At 2 sccm of argon flow, the discharge chamber pressure is <tex>$\boldsymbol{5\times 10^{-4}}$</tex> Torr. The plasma glow and plume match the simulation result of the vacuum field. This article shows the compact hexapole ECR ion thruster design parameters and simulation results.