Ion dynamics in an E × B Hall plasma accelerator
Abstract
We show the time evolution of the ion velocity distribution function in a Hall plasma accelerator during a 20 kHz natural, quasi-periodic plasma oscillation. We apply a time-synchronized laser induced fluorescence technique at different locations along the channel midline, obtaining time- and spatially resolved ion velocity measurements. Strong velocity and density fluctuations and multiple ion populations are observed throughout the so-called “breathing mode” ionization instability, opening an experimental window into the detailed ion dynamics and physical processes at the heart of such devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 26, 2015
- Source ID
- 10.1063/1.4907283
Entities
People
- Andrea Lucca Fabris
- Christopher V. Young
- Mark Cappelli
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research