Interior and exterior laser-induced fluorescence and plasma potential measurements on a laboratory Hall thruster

Abstract

Abstract : In this paper, we describe the results of a study of laser induced fluorescence velocimetry of ionic xenon in the plume and interior acceleration channel of a laboratory Hall type thruster operating at powers ranging from 250 to 725 W. Optical access to the interior of the Hall thruster is provided by a 1 mm axial slot in the insulator outer wall. Axial ion velocity profiles for four discharge voltages (100 V, 160 V, 200 V, 250 V) are measured as are radial velocity profiles in the near field plume. Internal neutral xenon axial velocity profiles are also measured at these conditions. For comparison, the plume plasma potential profile is measured with an emissive probe. These probe based potential measurements extend from 50 mm outside the plume to the near anode region for all but the highest discharge voltage condition. For each condition, the axial electric field is calculated from the plasma potential. In addition, an estimate of the local electron temperature is calculated from the Bohm criterion at the location of each plasma potential measurement.