Improving the viability and versatility of the E × B probe with an active cooling system

Area of Science:

• Plasma physics and diagnostics
• Space propulsion systems engineering

Background:

• High-power electric thrusters generate intense plasma plumes.
• Plasma plume thermal effects degrade probe diagnostic resolution.
• Existing probes lack adequate thermal protection for demanding applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a thermostatic E × B probe for high-power electric thruster diagnostics.
• To mitigate thermal effects on probe bodies using an active cooling system.
• To enhance the accuracy and reliability of plasma measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of an active cooling system using cooling panels and carbon fiber felts with liquid or gas coolants.
• Estimation of design parameters based on energy transfer analysis between plasma plume and probe.
• Implementation of the thermostatic E × B probe for diagnostics on the LIPS-300 ion thruster (3 kW).

Main Results:

• The probe successfully distinguished Xe+ and Xe2+ ion fractions without spectral overlap.
• Probe body temperature remained below 306 K in the plasma plume beam region during a 200-minute test.
• Active cooling effectively protected the probe from thermal damage.

Conclusions:

• The thermostatic E × B probe provides reliable plasma diagnostics for high-power electric thrusters.
• Active cooling significantly enhances probe performance and longevity.
• This technology reduces the need for complex and costly testing procedures.