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Helicon Plasma Source Optimization Studies for VASIMRA helicon plasma source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is being used to investigate operating scenarios relevant to the VASIMR (VAriable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket). These include operation at high magnetic field (> = 0.4 T), high frequency (<= 30 MHz), high power (< = 3 kW), and with light ions (He+, H+). To date, He plasmas have been produced with n(sub e0) = 1.7 x 10(exp 19)/cu m (measured with an axially movable 4mm microwave interferometer), with Pin = I kW at f = 13.56 MHz and absolute value of B(sub 0) = 0.16 T. In the near future, diagnostics including a mass flow meter and a gridded energy analyzer array will be added to investigate fueling efficiency and the source power balance. The latest results, together with modeling results using the EMIR rf code, will be presented.
Document ID
20000092092
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goulding, R. H.
(Oak Ridge National Lab. TN United States)
Baity, F. W.
(Oak Ridge National Lab. TN United States)
Barber, G. C.
(Oak Ridge National Lab. TN United States)
Carter, M. D.
(Oak Ridge National Lab. TN United States)
ChangDiaz, F. R.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Pavarin, D.
(Padua Univ. Italy)
Sparks, D. O.
(Oak Ridge National Lab. TN United States)
Squire J. P.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Meeting Information
Meeting: Plasma Propulsion Physics Mini Conference
Location: Seattle, WA
Country: United States
Start Date: November 15, 1999
End Date: November 19, 1999
Sponsors: American Physical Society
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-AC05-96OR-22464
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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