Abstract
Emission excitation cross sections for collision processes relevant to krypton-fueled Hall effect thrusters are measured using optical emission spectroscopy in the 350-1000 nm spectral range. The most prominent emissions observed are in the near-infrared region from a low-lying excited electronic state of neutral Kr. In the case of Kr/Kr + Kr systems, the emission cross section has a threshold at approximately 12.5 eV in the center-of-mass frame, and increases with collision energy until 200 eV where it remains constant through 600 eV. The energy profiles for emissions from Kr ions vary considerably based on the collision partner. Threshold for these emissions is estimated at, in the center-of-mass frame, 40-50 eV for Kr + Kr, <25 eV for Kr + Kr, and between 29.9 and 34.4 eV for e + Kr. Potential diagnostic lines to be used for determination of electron temperatures and ion-energies are discussed.
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