Abstract
argon. The plasma potential and ion energy distribution are measured in the argon plasma plume using an RF compensated emissive probe and a retarding potential analyzer (RPA) respectively. Plasma properties measured for these operating conditions are compared to the values and trends published by the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) where the MadHeX is characterized during operation in a distinctly different facility. Operation at 25 sccm showed an axial plasma potential drop of 71 V over an axial distance of 30 cm. Both the drop in potential and axial distance over which it occurred exceeded the values observed by UW-Madison. Plasma potential at a volumetric flow rate of 30 sccm increased a total of 25 V over a 400 W increase in RF forward power and 55 V over a decrease in source magnetic field strength of 260 G in VTF-2. At 25 sccm, the plasma potential increased 61 V at the thruster exit over the same magnetic field strength decrease, similar to trends observed by UW-Madison. Ion energy was noted to increase by 55 V over a 400 W increase in forward RF power for a volumetric flow rate of 30 sccm while changes of less than 20 V between operating points were observed for the 25 sccm case.
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