Electron-wall Interaction in Hall Thrusters

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

Princeton University. Plasma Physics Laboratory.

关键词: Acceleration;    Electric Propulsion;    Energy Losses;    70 Plasma Physics And Fusion Technology;    Sheath;   

DOI  :  10.2172/836853
RP-ID  :  PPPL-4050
RP-ID  :  AC02-76CH03073
RP-ID  :  836853

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

Electron-wall interaction effects in Hall thrusters are studied through measurements of the plasma response to variations of the thruster channel width and the discharge voltage. The discharge voltage threshold is shown to separate two thruster regimes. Below this threshold, the electron energy gain is constant in the acceleration region and therefore, secondary electron emission (SEE) from the channel walls is insufficient to enhance electron energy losses at the channel walls. Above this voltage threshold, the maximum electron temperature saturates.