Xenon ion beam characterization in a helicon double layer thruster
Date
2006-12-29
Authors
Charles, C.
Boswell, R. W.
Lieberman, M. A.
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American Institute of Physics (AIP)
Abstract
A current-free electric double layer is created in a helicon double layer thruster operating with xenon and compared to a recently developed theory. The Xe⁺ion beam formed by acceleration through the potential drop of the double layer is characterized radially using an electrostatic ion energy analyzer. For operating conditions of 500W rf power, 0.07mTorr gas pressure, and a maximum magnetic field of 125G, the measuredbeamvelocity is about 6kms⁻¹, the beam area is about 150cm², and the measuredbeam divergence is less than 6°.
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Keywords: Divergence; Electrostatic ion energy analyzer; Helicon double layer thruster; Potential drop; Gases; Helicons; Magnetic field effects; Positive ions; Pressure effects; Xenon; Ion beams
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Applied Physics Letters
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Journal article
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