A laser-ion engine is a type of electric rocket engine that uses the physical phenomena of the interaction of laser radiation with ionized atoms or molecules to create thrust.
The basic scheme of the laser-ion engine includes:
1. Power supply – provides electrical energy to power the system.
2. Reservoir with working substance – stores the working substance, which will be ionized by laser radiation.
3. Laser – generates a powerful laser beam that is directed at the working substance.
4. Ionizer is a place where ionization of atoms or molecules of a working substance occurs under the influence of laser radiation.
5. Electrostatic system – controls and accelerates ions, creating a flow of calves.
6. Discharge pipe – directs the ejected ions in a certain direction, creating thrust.
The operation process of the laser-ion engine is as follows:
- The laser generates a powerful laser beam with special parameters (time, power, wavelength, etc.).
2. The laser beam is directed at the working substance located in the ionizer.
- 3. Under the influence of laser radiation, atoms or molecules of the working substance are ionized – that is, they lose or gain electrons, becoming charged.
- 4. Ions accumulate and accelerate in the electrostatic system, creating a flow of calves.
- 5. The flow of calves is directed into the discharge pipe, creating traction.
- Thus, the laser-ion engine uses laser radiation to ionize the working substance, and then accelerates the ions, creating a flow of calves and creating thrust. This type of engine usually has a high specific thrust and efficiency, which makes it attractive for use in space missions.works.
2. The laser beam is directed at the working substance in the ionizer.
3. Under the influence of laser radiation, atoms or molecules of the working substance are ionized – that is, they lose or acquire electrons, becoming charged.
4. Ions accumulate and accelerate in the electrostatic system, creating a flow of calves.
5. The flow of calves is directed into the exhaust pipe, creating traction.
Thus, the laser-ion engine uses laser radiation to ionize the working substance, and then accelerates the ions, creating a flow of electrons and creating thrust. This type of engine usually has a high specific thrust and efficiency, which makes it attractive for use in space missions.works.
