Improving the ion thruster scheme II. Optimization of the magnetic system

To optimize the operation of the discharge chamber of the ion thruster, a modified configuration of the magnetic system was developed and manufactured, the distinctive feature of which is the use of a double cusp. The article describes the conditions and results of fire tests of the thruster using the developed configuration. The heterogeneity coefficient was 1,35, and the ion cost was equal to 234 W/A with a mass utilization efficiency of 91%, which shows the efficiency of the dual cusp and the developed configuration. Based on experimental data, the need to localize the magnetic field at the periphery of the discharge chamber is formulated not only to ensure high uniformity of the ion beam current density distribution, but also to ensure low ion cost.