On the electron drift velocity in plasma devices with E×B drift

Abstract

The structure and various components of the electron drift velocity are discussed in application to plasma discharges with the E×B drift. In high density plasmas, the contribution of the diamagnetic drift can be of the same order magnitude as the E×B drift. It is pointed out that curvature and gradient drifts associated with magnetic field inhomogeneities manifest themselves via the electron pressure anisotropy. Estimates show that the components of the diamagnetic drift related to the electron pressure anisotropy and magnetic field gradients can be important for the parameters of modern magnetrons and Hall thrusters. Similar additional terms appear in the momentum balance as mirror forces which may affect the distribution of the electrostatic potential in Hall devices.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 28, 2016
Source ID
10.1063/1.4954994

Entities

People

  • A. I. Smolyakov
  • Oleksandr Chapurin

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
  • University of Saskatchewan

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electronics Engineering
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster