Abstract: The Radio Frequency (RF) electron source has the advantages of simple structure, insensitivity to pollution, long life, and instant ignition. It can be used as neutralizer for ion and Hall thrusters and significantly improve the life and performance of thrusters. In order to study the optimization method of RF electron source, the performance evaluation of RF electron source was carried out based on the global model and the non-ambipolar flow model, and some tests of the developed 1A prototype were carried out. The results show that the simulation and experimental results are in good agreement, and the electron current is related to the collector voltage, orifice diameter, propellant flow rate and RF power. The parameters are coupled with each other and there is an optimal combination. Under the rated working point of the prototype, the discharge loss is 99W/A, and the gas utilization factor is 11.

Key words: Electric propulsion;Electron source;Inductively coupled plasma;Global model;Extracted current;Radio frequency

摘要： 射频电子源以其结构简单、不易受污染、寿命长、瞬时启动等优点，可以作为离子和霍尔电推进的中和器，显著提升其寿命和性能。为了研究射频电子源的优化设计方法，基于放电室等离子体整体模型和非双极流动模型开展了射频电子源性能的仿真评估，并对研制的1A级电子源样机开展了实验测试。研究结果显示：仿真与实验结果一致性较好，引出电子电流与收集电压、小孔直径、工质流率、射频功率相关，各参数相互耦合且存在最优组合，样机额定工作点下，电子源放电损耗为99W/A，工质利用率系数为11。

关键词: 电推进;电子源;感性耦合等离子体;整体模型;引出电流;射频