Isolated power supply for self-neutralization tests of a ferroelectric plasma thruster

The ferroelectric plasma thruster (FEPT) is being developed for use in micro-spacecraft propulsion, large scale structure vibration damping, and proximity operations. An advantage of the FEPT over other thruster technologies such as colloid and field emission electric propulsion (FEEP) thrusters is that the FEPT operates with a single power supply. Additionally it is believed that the FEPT is self-neutralizing since both electrons and ions are accelerated to produce thrust. In order to test the self-neutralization capabilities of the FEPT, it must be operated with a power supply that is isolated from the ground of the vacuum chamber wall. Presented is the design of an isolated power supply to test the self-neutralization of the FEPT operating in a vacuum chamber.