Method for analyzing ExB probe spectra from Hall thruster plumes
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109 (United States)
- Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 (United States)
Various methods for accurately determining ion species' current fractions using ExB probes in Hall thruster plumes are investigated. The effects of peak broadening and charge exchange on the calculated values of current fractions are quantified in order to determine the importance of accounting for them in the analysis. It is shown that both peak broadening and charge exchange have a significant effect on the calculated current fractions over a variety of operating conditions, especially at operating pressures exceeding 10{sup -5} torr. However, these effects can be accounted for using a simple approximation for the velocity distribution function and a one-dimensional charge exchange correction model. In order to keep plume attenuation from charge exchange below 30%, it is recommended that pz{<=}2, where p is the measured facility pressure in units of 10{sup -5} torr and z is the distance from the thruster exit plane to the probe inlet in meters. The spatial variation of the current fractions in the plume of a Hall thruster and the error induced from taking a single-point measurement are also briefly discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 22053582
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 80, Issue 6; Other Information: (c) 2009 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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