Novel Grids and Coatings for High-Power Ion Thrusters

A novel screen-accelerator grid pair is offered for ion thrusters for electric space propulsion. They will be flat and highly tensioned and fastened to ceramic frames. The frames provide extreme rigidity. The tensioning of the masks virtually eliminates relative movement of grid apertures, even at high vibration levels and large temperature excursions. This technology was proven in the manufacture of millions of high-resolution color cathode ray tube displays in the last century. In addition, graphitic coatings are offered up to 0.020-inch thickness known for their resistance to sputtering erosion of the grids. These coatings have ingredients which overcome the problems encountered in previous efforts to use carbon in ion thruster grids. In Phase I, a tensioned, flat grid pair will be constructed, coated, tested, and delivered.