Electron density and energy distribution function in the plume of a Hall-type thruster

Abstract

The plasma of the thruster plume was studied with oriented plane probes (these probes have only one face exposed to the plasma, either to the thruster, or to the opposite direction). The electron energy distribution function (EEDF) was determined from the second derivative of the probe curent. The electron density and effective electron temperature were determined by the integration of the EEDF and radial profiles of these parameters are reported.