Measurements of xenon ions velocity in Cylindrical Hall Thruster with Laser-Induced Fluorescence spectroscopy

Abstract

The Velocity Distribution Function of the xenon ions and atoms was measured by means of Laser-Induced Fluorescence spectroscopy in a plasma thruster. The device characterized was a miniaturized Cylindrical Hall Thruster designed to operate in the discharge power range of 100 -300 W. The axial component of the velocity was probed at multiple axial and radial positions inside the discharge chamber and in the near-field. The results allowed for identifying the ionization and acceleration regions, estimating the axial electric field, and observing the effects of the peculiar magnetic topology of the CHT on the ions. The experimental fluorescence lineshapes were reconstructed using a theoretical model to distinguish the features of the VDF from any broadening mechanisms that modify the aspect of the optical transition.