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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
12:22
Optimization, Test and Diagnostics of Miniaturized Hall Thrusters
Published on: February 16, 2019
Method for analyzing E x B probe spectra from Hall thruster plumes.
Rohit Shastry1, Richard R Hofer, Bryan M Reid
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91109, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|July 2, 2009
Summary
Accurately measuring ion current fractions in Hall thruster plumes requires accounting for peak broadening and charge exchange effects. Simple models can correct for these, ensuring reliable E x B probe data for thruster analysis.
Area of Science:
- Plasma physics
- Electric propulsion
Background:
- Hall thrusters are crucial for space propulsion.
- Accurate measurement of ion species' current fractions is vital for Hall thruster performance analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate methods for determining ion species' current fractions using E x B probes in Hall thruster plumes.
- Quantify the impact of peak broadening and charge exchange on current fraction calculations.
- Develop recommendations for minimizing measurement errors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized E x B probes to measure ion species' current fractions.
- Quantified the effects of peak broadening and charge exchange under various operating conditions.
- Applied a simple approximation for the velocity distribution function and a 1D charge exchange correction model.
Main Results:
- Peak broadening and charge exchange significantly affect current fraction calculations, particularly at pressures above 10(-5) torr.
- The developed correction models effectively account for these effects.
- Established a guideline (pz ≤ 2) to maintain plume attenuation below 30% due to charge exchange.
Conclusions:
- Accurate ion current fraction determination in Hall thruster plumes necessitates accounting for peak broadening and charge exchange.
- The proposed correction methods and operational guidelines improve measurement reliability.
- Understanding spatial variations and single-point measurement errors is crucial for comprehensive plume analysis.
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