Pulsed electromagnetic acceleration of metal plasmas

Design criteria are discussed for a novel pulsed plasma accelerator that excludes weak features of other types of electric propulsion devices Experiments are described which demonstrated proof-of-principle for each of the thrustor components during the evolution of the accelerator Material requirements for successful operation of the complete accelerator package are presented, together with observed operational characteristics of the thrustor Unique features of the unit are the quasi-planar thin-film propellant that is stored in solid bulk form and the vapor deposition technique by which it is introduced into the accelerator A propellant alloy composed of cadmium and zinc was found to deposit on, and scavenge effectively from, a Pyrex glass propellant transport Opeiation at moderate pulse frequencies is routine Materials for high-pulse frequency operation remain to be identified