Internal plasma structure measurements of a hall thruster using plasma lens focusing
Magnetic field topology has been found to be a central design concern for high-efficiency Hall thrusters. For future improvements in Hall thruster design, it is necessary to better understand the effects that magnetic field topology has on the internal plasma structure. The Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory's High-speed Axial Reciprocating Probe system using a floating emissive probe is used to map the internal structure of the NASA-173Mv1 Hall thruster. Measurements are taken at 300 and 500 V operating with xenon at 102.4 sccm anode flow rate with and without the trim coil operating. Electron temperature and electric field are also measured and reported. The acceleration zone and equipotential lines are found to be strongly linked to the magnetic field lines. Moreover, in some cases the ions are accelerated strongly toward the center of the discharge channel. These results have strong implications on the performance and lifetime optimization of Hall thrusters. Copyright © 2005 by Jesse A. Linnell.
