IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,322,581
Granted Patent B1
US 12,322,581 · App. 18/967,224 · Granted Jun 3, 2025

Three-dimensional sweep probe system

Inventors: Chhavi Chhavi (Atlanta, GA); Mitchell L. R. Walker (Atlanta, GA)
Assignee: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
H01J37/32926B64G1/413H01J2237/24507
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,322,581
App. No.
18/967,224
Granted
Jun 3, 2025
Kind
B1
Abstract

A system is described comprising a first controller configured to control a radial arm. The system further comprises a second controller configured to control a probe apparatus motor. The radial arm is configured to move a probe apparatus in a horizontal direction across a horizontal cross-section of a plasma plume generated by a thruster, in response to receiving a first control signal from the first controller. The probe apparatus motor is configured to move a probe, coupled to the probe apparatus, in a vertical direction across a vertical cross-section of the plasm plume, in response to receiving a second control signal from the second controller. And the probe is configured to detect an ion beam current density corresponding to the thruster, based at least in part on a movement of the probe apparatus in the horizontal direction and a movement of the probe in the vertical direction.

Claims (60)

1. A system comprising:

a first controller comprising:

at least one first processor configured to execute one or more first computer executable instructions to control a radial arm;

a second controller comprising:

at least one second processor configured to execute one or more second computer executable instructions to control a probe apparatus motor;

a memory storing the:

one or more first computer executable instructions, and

one or more second computer executable instructions;

the radial arm configured to move a probe apparatus in a horizontal direction across a horizontal cross-section of a plasma plume generated by a thruster, in response to receiving a first control signal from the first controller;

the probe apparatus motor configured to move a probe, coupled to the probe apparatus, in a vertical direction across a vertical cross-section of the plasm plume, in response to receiving a second control signal from the second controller; and

the probe configured to detect an ion beam current density corresponding to the thruster, and based at least in part on a movement of the probe apparatus in the horizontal direction and a movement of the probe in the vertical direction.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a radial motion table communicatively coupled to the radial arm, and

configured to move the radial arm in radially horizontal direction.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the first at least one first processor is further configured to execute the one or more first computer executable instructions to:

transmit the first control signal to the radial motion table with instructions to move the radial arm in the radially horizontal direction by 5 degrees.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the probe is a Faraday probe.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the thruster is positioned at a predetermined distance away from the probe.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the thruster supported by a thruster stand.

7. The system of claim 3 , wherein the radial arm sweeps out an area of 180 degrees.

8. The system of claim 3 , wherein the probe sweeps out an area of 76 degrees.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the thruster comprises a plurality of coils, and the plurality of coils are grouped into one or more subsets of coils.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein each of the one or more subsets are supplied power by a different power supply.

11. A probe apparatus comprising:

a controller comprising at least one processor configured to execute one or more computer executable instructions to control a motion gear;

a memory storing the one or more computer executable instructions;

a probe apparatus motor configured to move a probe in a vertical direction across a vertical cross-section of a plasma plume generated by a thruster, and in response to receiving a control signal from the controller;

a geared framework configured to support the probe, and comprising a first plurality of teeth;

a motion gear coupled to the probe apparatus motor, and comprising a plurality of second teeth interspersed between the first plurality of teeth; and

the probe configured to detect an ion beam current density corresponding to the plasma plume based at least in part on:

a movement of the probe in the vertical direction across the vertical cross-section of the plasma plume, and

a movement of the probe in a horizontal direction across a horizontal cross-section of the plasma plume.

12. The probe apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising at least one bearing in the geared framework communicatively coupled with a first probe mount that is communicatively coupled to a second probe mount supporting the probe.

13. The probe apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first probe mount is comprised of at least aluminum.

14. The probe apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the second probe mount is comprised of at least graphite.

15. The probe apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the probe is a Faraday probe.

16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the thruster is positioned at a predetermined distance away from the probe.

17. The probe apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the geared framework comprises a curved flat surface.

18. The probe apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the probe sweeps out an area of 76 degrees.

19. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein a surface of the probe is orthogonal to the thruster.

20. A method of determining a three-dimensional ion beam current density, the method comprising:

moving a probe, using a radial arm motor, to a first horizontal position;

sweeping the probe, using the probe apparatus motor, through a plurality of vertical positions while the probe is stationary at the first horizontal position;

determining a first plurality of ion beam current densities, using the probe, corresponding to the probe sweeping through the plurality of vertical positions while stationary at the first the horizontal position;

sweeping the probe, using the radial arm motor, through a plurality of horizontal positions between the first horizontal position and a second horizontal position;

sweeping the probe, using the probe apparatus motor, through the plurality of vertical positions while the probe is stationary at each of the plurality of horizontal positions between the first horizontal position and the second horizontal position;

determining a second plurality of ion beam current densities, using the probe, corresponding to the probe sweeping through the:

plurality of horizontal positions between the first horizontal position and the second horizontal position, and

plurality of vertical positions while the probe is stationary at each of the plurality of horizontal positions between the first horizontal position and the second horizontal position;

moving the probe, using the radial arm motor, to the second horizontal position;

sweeping the probe, using the probe apparatus motor, through the plurality of vertical positions while the probe is stationary at the second horizontal position; and

determining a third plurality of ion beam current densities, using the probe, corresponding to the probe sweeping through the plurality of vertical positions while stationary at the second horizontal position; and

determining the three-dimensional ion beam current density based at least in part on the first plurality of ion beam current densities, the second plurality of ion beam current densities, and third plurality of ion beam current densities.

21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the probe is affixed to a radial arm.

22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:

moving a radial arm, using a radial motion table communicatively coupled to the radial arm, and configured to move the radial arm in radially horizontal direction.

23. The method of claim 20 , wherein the probe is a Faraday probe.

24. The method of claim 20 , wherein the probe sweeps out an area of 76 degrees in a vertical direction.

25. The method of claim 20 , wherein a surface of the probe is orthogonal to a thruster.

26. The method of claim 20 , wherein the probe sweeps out an area of 180 degrees in a horizontal direction.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Feb 18, 2025
From: CHHAVI, CHHAVI; WALKER, MITCHELL L.R.
To: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 070247/0764 →
References Cited (33)
US 11834204B1 · Gorokhovsky · 2023 [cited by examiner]
US 20170278683A1 · Hey · 2017 [cited by examiner]
US 20240237185A1 · Zheng · 2024 [cited by examiner]
Dushman, S., “Scientific Foundations of Vacuum Technique,” New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1949, by General Electric Company. [cited by applicant]
Jahn, R. G., “Physics of Electric Propulsion,” Dover Publ., Mineola, NY, 2006, Physics of Electric Propulsion @ 1968 by McGraw-Hill, Inc. [cited by applicant]
Goebel , D. M. et al., “Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion: Ion and Hall Thrusters,” Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Wiley, Mar. 2008, https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470436448. [cited by applicant]
Hofer, R. et al., A., “High-Specific Impulse Hall Thrusters, Part 2: Efficiency Analysis,” Journal of Propulsion and Power—J Propul Power, vol. 22, Jul.-Aug. 2006, pp. 732-740. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.15954. [cited by applicant]
O'Reilly, D. et al., “Electric Propulsion Methods for Small Satellites: A Review,” Aerospace, vol. 8, No. 1, 2021, p. 22. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/aerospace8010022, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/aerospace. [cited by applicant]
Lev, D., et al. “The Technological and Commercial Expansion of Electric Propulsion,” Acta Astronautica, vol. 159, (2019), pp. 213-227, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.03.058,www.elsevier.com/locate/actaastro. [cited by applicant]
Bapat, A. et al., “Hall-Effect Thrusters for Deep-Space Missions: A Review,” IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, vol. 50, No. 2, 2022, pp. 189-202, https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.2022.3143032. [cited by applicant]
Raitses, Y. et al., “Orbit Transfer with a Variable Thrust Hall Thruster Under Drag,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 36, No. 6, Nov.-Dec. 1999, pp. 875-881. https:l/doi.org/10.2514/2.3506. [cited by applicant]
Misuri T. et al., “HT5k Hall Thruster to Improve Small Launcher Capabilities,” IEPC-2013-279, presented at the 33rd International Electric Propulsion Conference, Oct. 6-10, 2013. [cited by applicant]
Jackson J. et al., “Development of High Power Hall Thruster Systems to Enable the NASA Exploration Vision,” presented at the 2018 Space Propulsion Conference, Seville, 2018. [cited by applicant]
Victor, A. L. et al., “Ion-Energy Plume Diagnostics on the BHT-600 Hall Thruster Cluster,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 22, No. 6, 2006, pp. 1421-1424, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.20514. [cited by applicant]
Beal, B. E. et al., “Plasma Properties in the Plume of a Hall Thruster Cluster,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 20, No. 6, 2004, pp. 985-991. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.3765. [cited by applicant]
Hall S. J. et al., “Performance and High-Speed Characterization of a 100-KW Nested Hall Thruster,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 38, No. 1, 2022, pp. 40-50. https://doi.org/10.2514/I. B38080. [cited by applicant]
Liang R., “The Combination of Two Concentric Discharge Channels into a Nested Hall-Effect Thruster., ”Ph. D. dissertation, University of Michigan, 2013. [cited by applicant]
Duchemin, O. et al., “Thrust Vector Control Using Multi-Channel Hall-Effect Thrusters,” presented at the 43rd AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference & Exhibit, Jul. 8-11, 2007, Cincinnati, OH, AIAA 2007-5203, ht… [cited by applicant]
Benavides, G. F et al., “Diagnostic for Verifying the Thrust Vector Requirement of the AEPS Hall-Effect Thruster and Comparison to the NEXT-C Thrust Vector Diagnostic,” presented at the 2018 Joint Propulsion Conference,… [cited by applicant]
Sohl, G. et al, “Thrust Vectoring of Ion Engines.,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 6, No. 2, 1969, pp. 143-147, Pasadena, California, https://doi.org/10.2514/3.29552. [cited by applicant]
Homa, J. et al., “Ion Beamlet Vectoring by Grid Translation,” AIAA/JSASS/DGLR 16th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Nov. 17-19, New Orleans, Louisiana, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, ht… [cited by applicant]
Van Reijen, B. et al. High Precision Thrust Vector Determination through Full Hemispherical RPA Measurements Assisted by Angular Mapping of Ion Energy Charge State Distribution, IEPC-2013-284. The 33rd International Ele… [cited by applicant]
Pollard, J. et al., “Thrust Vector Measurements with the T5 Ion Engine,” 31st Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Los Angeles, California, © 1995, AIAA-95-2829, h… [cited by applicant]
Polk, J. et al., “Behavior of the Thrust Vector in the NSTAR Ion Thruster,” 34th AIAAIASMEISAEIASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, American h1stitute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.… [cited by applicant]
Haag, Thomas, “Translation Optics for 30 Cm Ion Engine Thrust Vector Control,” IEPC-01-116, 2002, Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, Jun. 2002, http://gltrs.grc.nasa.gov/GLTRS. [cited by applicant]
Gulczinski, III, Frank Stanley, “Examination of the Structure and Evolution of Ion Energy Properties of a 5 KW Class Laboratory Hall effect Thruster at Various Operational Conditions,” University of Michigan, (1999). [cited by applicant]
Brown, D. L. , et al., “Recommended Practice for Use of Faraday Probes in Electric Propulsion Testing,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 33, No. 3, May-Jun. 2017, pp. 582-613. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B35696. [cited by applicant]
Kieckhafer, A W., “Recirculating Liquid Nitrogen System for Operation of Cryogenic Pumps,” IEPC-2011-217, presented at the 32nd International Electric Propulsion Conference, Electric Rocket Propulsion Society, Wiesbaden… [cited by applicant]
Haas, J. M. et al., “Internal Plasma Potential Profiles in a Laboratory-Model Hall Thruster,” Physics of Plasmas, vol. 8, No. 2, Feb. 2001, American Institute of Physics, pp. 652-660. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1338535. [cited by applicant]
Peterson, P.Y. et al., “Experimental Investigation of Hall Thruster Internal Magnetic Field Topography,” 37th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit, Jul. 8-11, 2001, Salt Lake City, Utah, Published … [cited by applicant]
Frieman, J. D., Brown et al., “Electrical Facility Effects on Faraday Probe Measurements,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 34, No. 1, Jan.-Feb. 2018, pp. 267-269, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.B36467. [cited by applicant]
Brown, D. L. et al., “Evaluation of Facility Effects on Ion Migration in a Hall Thruster Plume,” Journal of Propulsion and Power, vol. 27, No. 3, May-Jun. 2011, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.54143. [cited by applicant]
Xu, K G., “Ion Collimation and In-Channel Potential Shaping Using in-Channel Electrodes for Hall Effect Thrusters,” Dissertation, 2012, Georgia Institute of Technology, Retrieved Mar. 31, 2024, http://hdl.handle.net/185… [cited by applicant]