Title: Anode for ion thruster

Abstract: The invention is directed to a screen anode for an ion thruster. The anode is constructed of a woven mesh screen, preferably of a stainless steel wire cloth with a mesh size less than the intergrid gap or openings of the screen grid or accelerator grid systems of the ion thruster. The screen anode is sputter coated with tantalum as a result of thruster operation. Because of the fineness of the screen anode any spalled material from the tantalum coated anode is in such small dimensions that the spalled pieces cannot interfere with the accelerator and screen grid systems and with the focusing therebetween.

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Inventors: Banks, Bruce A. (Olmsted Township, OH, US)

Application Number: 665033
Filing Date: 1976-03-08
Publication_date: 1977-03-15
Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States (Washington, DC)
Primary Class(es): 60/202 313/230, 313/231.31
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3156090	Nov, 1964	Kaufman	60/202.
3500122	Mar, 1970	Sohl	313/361.
3969646	Jul, 1976	Reader et al.	313/359.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Freeh, William L.
Assistant Examiner: Garrett, Robert E.
Attorney: Musial; N. T., Shook; G. E., Manning; John R.