An Air-Breathing Photoelectric Ion Thruster

原文（中文）

Ion thrusters in the prior art apply a high electric potential between an emitter and a collector. Electrons are liberated to form ions around the emitter which are attracted toward the collector. The ions collide with molecules in an atmosphere creating an ionic wind. The electric field both liberates the electrons and attracts the ions to the collector. The disclosed ion thruster decouples the liberation of electrons from the attraction of the ions toward the collector. Instead of liberating the electrons by a coronal discharge, electrons are liberated by the photoelectric effect by shining a light on to the emitter comprised of a low work function solid that is susceptible to allowing electrons to be released. In some embodiments in which the material is easily oxidized, a coating is applied to the surface that allows subatomic particles to pass through the coating while blocking atoms and molecules.