In the initial stage of a radio frequency ion thruster (RIT) ignition, an influx of electrons is required from an external source into the discharge chamber and ionization of the neutral gas propellant. A neutralizer-free method for Townsend breakdown discharge ignition based on Paschen’s law was developed in this study. The feasibility of the ignition method was confirmed by performing thousands of ignition experiments. Metallic Molybdenum (Mo), pyrolytic graphite (PG) and Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.2alloy acceleration grids were prepared, and ignition-induced damage on the grids was investigated. A field-emission scanning electron microscope was used to inspect surface damage on the grids after multiple ignitions and to analyze the influence of the ignition method on the lifetime of the ion optical system. Grid materials for space missions that require multiple RIT ignitions (103) should be high-strength blocks that are resistant to sputtering corrosion and high temperature.

中文翻译：

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射频离子推进器无中和器点火对离子光学系统寿命的影响

在射频离子推进器 (RIT) 点火的初始阶段，需要电子从外部源流入放电室并电离中性气体推进剂。本研究开发了一种基于 Paschen 定律的无中和剂的 Townsend 击穿放电点火方法。通过进行数千次点火实验，证实了点火方法的可行性。金属钼 (Mo)、热解石墨 (PG) 和 Zr41.2钛13.8铜12.5你10是22.2制备了合金加速板栅，并研究了栅板的点火引起的损伤。采用场发射扫描电子显微镜观察多次点火后栅极的表面损伤情况，分析点火方式对离子光学系统寿命的影响。用于需要多次 RIT 点火的太空任务的网格材料（103)应该是耐溅射腐蚀和耐高温的高强度块。