Patent ID: 8365512
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: F03H,H01J

Abstract:
1. A field-effect emitter for a field emission electric propulsion or colloid thruster, comprising a first portion and a second portion having symmetry of revolution and defining an internal reservoir for supplying a liquid metal or a conducting ionic liquid, and a slit connecting the internal reservoir to an exit orifice, for emitting the liquid metal or ionic liquid to produce thrust, wherein the first portion forms an external portion with a polished external face and an internal face having conical sections with a single defined slope of between 5 degrees and 8 degrees, wherein the second portion forms an internal portion with an internal face and an external face having conical sections with a single slope of between 5 degrees and 8 degrees, the internal face of the external portion and the external face of the internal portion defining said internal reservoir and said slit, wherein metal blocks are formed by deposition on the external face of the internal portion to define a thickness of between 1 and 2 micrometers for said slit, wherein the external portion is held against the internal portion by a mechanical connection, and wherein said field-effect emitter further comprises a capillary supply channel of between 10 and 15 micrometers thickness formed between the internal reservoir and the slit and defined by conical surfaces on the internal face of the external portion and on the external face of the internal portion to supply the slit by capillary action from the reservoir.