Transition in electron transport in a cylindrical Hall thruster

Journal Article · Mon Aug 30 00:00:00 EDT 2010 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3486164· OSTI ID:21466909

Parker, J B; Raitses, Y; Fisch, N J ^[1]

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1. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08543 (United States)

Through the use of high-speed camera and Langmuir probe measurements in a cylindrical Hall thruster, we report the discovery of a rotating spoke of increased plasma density and light emission which correlates with increased electron transport across the magnetic field. As cathode electron emission is increased, a sharp transition occurs where the spoke disappears and electron transport decreases. This suggests that a significant fraction of the electron current might be directed through the spoke.

• OSTI ID: 21466909
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 97, Issue 9; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.3486164; (c) 2010 American Institute of Physics; ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CAMERAS
CATHODES
CHARGED-PARTICLE TRANSPORT
CYLINDRICAL CONFIGURATION
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRON EMISSION
ELECTRONS
LANGMUIR PROBE
LIGHT TRANSMISSION
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PLASMA
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
THRUSTERS
VISIBLE RADIATION
CONFIGURATION
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC PROBES
ELECTRODES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EMISSION
FERMIONS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
LEPTONS
MECHANICS
PROBES
RADIATION TRANSPORT
RADIATIONS
TRANSMISSION