ICP プラズマ源を用いたマイクロイオンスラスタのPIC/MC モデル構築

摘要

A two-dimensional particle model of a micro inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source has been developed to design a highly effective micro ion thruster for nanosatellites. Particle-in-Cell simulations with a Monte Carlo collision calculation (PIC/MC) were carried out to analyze plasma parameters and ion beam profiles. The numerical results showed that the thrust and specific impulse obtained were 55 μN and 7000 s, respectively, for the microthruster using Ar as a propellant.