Reducing Plasma Perturbations with Segmented Metal Shielding on Electrostatic Probes

Staack, D. ; Raitses, Y. ; N.J., Fisch

Princeton University. Plasma Physics Laboratory.

关键词: 36 Materials Science;    70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology;    Dielectric Materials;    Shielding;    Thrusters Gas Discharges;   

DOI  :  10.2172/809844
RP-ID  :  PPPL-3752
RP-ID  :  AC02-76CH03073
RP-ID  :  809844

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Electrostatic probes are widely used to measure spatial plasma parameters in the quasi-neutral plasma created in Hall thrusters and similar E x B electric discharge devices. Significant perturbations of the plasma, induced by such probes, can mask the actual physics involved in operation of these devices. In an attempt to reduce these perturbations in Hall thrusters, the perturbations were examined by varying the component material, penetration distance, and residence time of various probe designs. This study leads us to a conclusion that secondary electron emission from insulator ceramic tubes of the probe can affect local changes of the plasma parameters causing plasma perturbations. A probe design, which consists of a segmented metal shielding of the probe insulator, is suggested to reduce these perturbations. This new probe design can be useful for plasma applications in which the electron temperature is sufficient to produce secondary electron emission by interaction of plasma electrons with dielectric materials.