Form 9.B Project Summary
Chron:
970605
Proposal Number:
19.04-4844B
Project Title:
High Efficiency Neutralizer for Electric
Propulsion
Technical Abstract (Limit 200 words)
The Physitron Team proposes to apply Chemical
Vapor Deposited (CVD) Diamond micro-tip field
emitter arrays (FEAs) to electric propulsion. These
arrays consist of micro-fabricated pyramids of CVD
diamond which have been demonstrated to have
extremely low thresholds for electron emission.
Current small electric propulsion systems waste as
much as 30% of the available energy in generating
electrons for ionization and neutralization.
Application of this technology will reduce the size,
weight, and power requirements of these
subsystems by utilizing micro electro-mechanical
systems (MEMS) technology and significantly
increasing the efficiency of electron production. The
long term objectives of this project are to deploy
Diamond MEMS FEAs in neutralizers for electric
propulsion and as plasma contactors for spacecraft.
During Phase 1, we will demonstrate adequate field
emission properties of the FEAs, design a CVD
diamond grid structure, and deliver FEAs to NASA
for inspection. During Phase 2, we will fabricate and
deliver a pre-prototype neutralizer with diamond
MEMS FEAs and a diamond grid which will provide
60 milli-amps at 2 volts bias with 95% efficiency
from a 1 square millimeter device.
Potential Commercial Applications (Limit 200 words)
Micro-fabricated CVD diamond FEAs have been
demonstrated to have the absolute lowest threshold
for electron emission and the lowest erosion rate
for ion bombardment. Therefore, numerous
commercial applications exist including spacecraft
propulsion systems, high power/frequency vacuum
tubes, and flat panel displays. The low voltage
emission and high temperature capability of
diamond is an excellent match to high power
microwave devices. The low threshold for and
uniformity of emission provided by the FEA
approach will allow lower power flat panel displays
for portable applications such as laptop computers.
Name and Address of Principal Investigator (Name,
Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Theron G. "Bo" Henderson
Physitron, Inc.
3304A Westmill Dr.
Huntsville , AL 35805
Name and Address of Offeror (Firm Name, Mail Address,
City/State/Zip)
John M. McSwain
Physitron, Inc.
3304A Westmill Dr.
Huntsville , AL 35805