Magnetic Shielding for Laser Communications (DeflectorShield)

Motivation

• Optics for laser communications systems are sensitive to degradation by ablation from high energy ions from propulsion systems such as hall thrusters and ion thrusters
• Properly positioned magnetic fields will deflect ions, avoiding optics damage

Approach

• Analytical and model based calculation of required magnet location and minimum and maximum field strength to protect against incoming ions

Results

• Phase-I SBIR completed
• Theoretical design complete