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Compact coupling for microwave-electro-thermal thruster

  • US 6,205,769 B1
  • Filed: 06/07/1995
  • Issued: 03/27/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A propulsion device comprising:

  • a microwave generator;

    a resonant cavity having first and second ends;

    an injector port opening in said cavity for injection of a gas;

    means for coupling said microwave generator to said cavity, said coupling means including a microwave antenna of a predetermined wavelength, said microwave antenna being inserted within said cavity at said first end, and coupled to said microwave generator for the generation of microwaves for interaction with said gas so as to heat said gas and create a heated gas plasma; and

    a nozzle connected to said second end of said cavity for exhausting said heated gas plasma;

    wherein said coupling means and said microwave antenna together comprise a length of less than about 2 wavelengths of said microwave antenna.

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