Suppression of dielectric surface flashover induced by strong electromagnetic field at multiple spatial scales based on above/sub-surface discharge development mechanisms

Abstract

Abstract Spacecraft charging and electrostatic discharging (ESD) are prone to occur in harsh space environments. In particular, in the case of coupling strong electromagnetic field (EMF), ESD damages may occur at a low charging potential, posing a serious threat to on-orbit spacecraft missions. To investigate the mechanism and the pertinent suppression method for vacuum surface discharge induced by EMF, a specially-designed platform for EMF-induced surface discharge was set up. Surface structures with various spatial scales were created separately by using different surface engineering strategies, including direct fluorination, mechanical polishing, and 3D-printed grooving. The resulting surface physicochemical characteristics of the samples were examined. Furthermore, the surface discharge characteristics for different methods induced by strong EMF were systematically analyzed, considering the surface trap state distribution and secondary electron yield (SEY). The findings indicate that the proposed surface treatment methods demonstrate varying levels of improvement in mitigating EMF-induced discharge. Direct fluorination was found to produce lower SEY and to accelerate surface charge dissipation due to an elevated shallow trap density, making it favorable for suppressing the EMF-induced discharge. In addition, suitable surface roughness and groove size can effectively impede the development of the multipactor, thereby preventing EMF-induced discharge. This research is expected to provide valuable insights into the protection design of EMF-induced discharge on spacecraft.