Laser Diagnostics of Plasma Thrusters

Abstract

The research involves diagnostics studies of plasma thrusters. These devices generate ionized gases which are accelerated at thermal and electromagnetic modes. The research effort uses the new, high resolution diagnostic techniques that will determine electron densities, local magnetic fields and density fluctuations indicating anomalous transport. A long wavelength carbon dioxide laser which allows more sensitive measurements, with its long wavelength, is used. The laser will be coupled with a Far infrared Laser System capable of generating beams around ten milliwatt levels, and provide a diagnostic study that has not yet been used in thruster plasma diagnosis. (JHD)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA221682

Entities

People

  • Thomas M. York

Organizations

  • Ohio State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acousto-Optic Modulators
  • Air Force
  • Carbon Dioxide Lasers
  • Detectors
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Engineering
  • Far Infrared Lasers
  • Frequency
  • High Resolution
  • Infrared Lasers
  • Interferometry
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Diagnostics
  • Lasers
  • Long Wavelengths
  • Measurement

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster