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Ring cusp/hollow cathode discharge chamber performance studiesAn experimental study performed to determine the effects of hollow cathode position, anode position, and ring cusp magnetic field configuration and strength on discharge chamber performance is described. The results are presented in terms of comparative plasma ion energy cost, extracted ion fraction, and beam profile data. Results show that the rate of primary electron loss to the anode decreases as the anode is moved downstream of the ring cusp toward the screen grid and that the loss rate of ions to hollow cathode surfaces are excessive if the cathode is located upstream of a point of peak magnetic flux density at the discharge chamber centerline. Moreover, the fraction of the ions produced that are lost to discharge chamber walls and ring magnet surfaces is reduced by positioning of the magnet rings so the plasma density is uniform over the grid surface, and adjusting their strength to a level where it is sufficient to prevent excessive ion losses by Bohm diffusion.
Document ID
19890060097
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Vaughn, J. A.
(Colorado State Univ. Fort Collins, CO, United States)
Wilbur, P. J.
(Colorado State University Fort Collins, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Electric Propulsion Conference
Location: Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Country: Germany
Start Date: October 3, 1988
End Date: October 6, 1988
Sponsors: Japan Society of Aeronautical and Space Sciences, AIAA, DGLR
Accession Number
89A47468
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-06-002-112
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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