Effect of laser ablation on the mechanical impulse formation in capillary discharge plasma

Abstract

Within studies on the creation of new types of engines for small-sized space vehicles, we have experimentally studied the effect of the laser ablation of an electrode (insulator) material on the mechanical impulse of capillary discharge plasma. It is demonstrated that laser pulses can be used to reliably initiate of lowvoltage capillary discharge at low pressures, that is, under conditions where the usual discharge initiation is complicated. The proposed combined scheme allows the weight and size characteristics of plasma thrusters operating in pulsed and pulse-train regimes to be reduced.