Ion-Beam Sources Based on Solid Electrolytes for Aerospace Applications and Ion-Beam Technologies (Review)

An analytical review of the modern state of the development of ion sources with solid electrolytes (superionic conductors) for the aerospace and ion-beam technologies is presented. The methods for synthesis and properties of solid electrolytes, the formation of mobile ions at the “reservoir–electrolyte” interface, the fast-ion transport in a thin electrolyte film under the action of an external electric field, and the processes of ion emission (evaporation) from the surface of the electrolyte into a vacuum at a temperature below the thermionic-emission threshold and an electric-field strength that is lower than that of field-ion emitters are discussed. The operation modes, the design and manufacturing technology of anion and cation sources are described in detail. Methods for improving the performance and the main fields of application, including electrostatic rocket engines (ion microthrusters), for which a matrix solid-state ion–electron source was designed and patented, are analyzed.