Transition in Electron Transport in a Cylindrical Hall Thruster
Authors: J.B. Parker, Y. Raitses, and N.J. Fisch
Abstract:
Through the use of high-speed camera and Langmuir probe measurements in a cylindrical Hall thruster, we report the discovery of a rotating spoke of increased plasma density and light emission which correlates with increased electron transport across the magnetic field. As cathode electron emission is increased, a sharp transition occurs where the spoke disappears and electron transport decreases. This suggests that a significant fraction of the electron current might be directed through the spoke.
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Submitted to: Applied Physics Letters, (May, 2010)
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Download PPPL-4523 (pdf 191 KB 8 pp)
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