Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009agufmsm53b1391s&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #SM53B-1391
Physics
Plasma Physics
[0654] Electromagnetics / Plasmas, [2704] Magnetospheric Physics / Auroral Phenomena, [7845] Space Plasma Physics / Particle Acceleration, [7867] Space Plasma Physics / Wave/Particle Interactions
Scientific paper
Non-invasive measurements are performed on a pulsed and steady-state argon helicon plasma thruster with a static axial magnetic nozzle field (1 kG source, 1.5 kG nozzle peak). The helicon wave propagation is closely related to whistler modes that propagate in the Earth's ionosphere. Flow rates obtained are from less than 1 to 30 sccm with coupled 13.56 MHz rf power levels of between 700 W and 10 kW. Ion beam acceleration from electric fields caused by neutral depletion and double layers (DLs) similar to those detected by satellites in the Earth's aurora are observed. Collisional-radiative (CR) models for Ar II and Ar I are used to spectroscopically determine the electron temperature (Te) and the neutral density, respectively. The electron density (nemax=8 x 10^13/cc) is measured via 105 GHz microwave interferometry (IF) and is an input to the CR models. In collisionless, highly neutral-depleted regions, Te rises linearly with power while ne remains constrained. Regions of pressure balance and pressure gradients are present, and evidence of substantial axially accelerated ion flows is observed. Regimes where cooler (5 eV) and hotter (>20 eV) electron temperatures are observed for lower and higher flow rates. The axial ion energy distribution function and its acceleration is measured from the helicon source region thru the magnetic nozzle using tunable diode laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). We will present results of RF creation and optimization of thermal- and hot-electron components to enhance the thrust of the helicon double layer and discuss the character of the ion beam distribution as it moves through the DL region. The experiment will optimize rf power, mass flow rate, magnetic field, and helicon dynamic frequency with LIF, mm wave IF diagnostic measurements. A description of the ion acceleration process that has potential applications for spacecraft propulsion and is related to ion acceleration processes observed in the Earth's aurora will be discussed.
He Ru
Scharer J.
Wiebold M.
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