Abstract
Discharge characteristics of a 40-cm, 2.45-GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion thruster discharge chamber and neutralizer were acquired. Thruster bulk discharge plasma characteristics were assessed using a single Langmuir probe. An estimate of the total extractable ion current was measured as a function of input microwave power and flow rate. Additionally, radial ion current density profiles at the thruster's exit plane were characterized using five equally spaced Faraday probes. Distinct low- and high-density operating modes were observed as discharge input power was varied from 0 to 200 W. In the high mode, extractable ion currents as high as 0.82 A were measured. Neutralizer emission current was characterized as a function of flow rate and microwave power. Neutralizer extraction currents as high as 0.6 A were measured.
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