Plasma Diagnostics of a High Power Helicon Source

被引：0
|
作者：
Sun B. [1 ]
Zhao Y. [1 ]
Wei J.-G. [1 ]
Fang J.-H. [1 ]
Tan C. [1 ]
机构：
[1] Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Plasma Physics and Applied Technology, Xi'an Aerospace Propulsion Institute, Xi'an
来源：
Tuijin Jishu/Journal of Propulsion Technology | 2019年 / 40卷 / 03期
关键词：
Diagnostics; Helicon plasma; Ion density; Radio-frequency compensated probe;
D O I：
10.13675/j.cnki.tjjs.180175
中图分类号：
学科分类号：
摘要：
As the first section of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), the high power helicon plasma source directly affects the performance of the rocket. For increasing the plasma density and the propellant ionization rate of the helicon plasma source, the ion density and the electron temperature of the helicon plasma source with 4kW power have been tested by a radio-frequency compensated probe. The results show that, under the condition of strong magnetic field, the discharge mode jumps twice as the applied power increased, and the helicon discharge mode is obtained. With the helicon discharge mode, the ion density is over 1×1012cm-3 in the plume region, and is over 2×1014cm-3 in the antenna region. The ion density is higher in the central area of the discharge tube, and decreases along the radial direction. The results provide evidence for the development of the VASIMR with 30kW power. © 2019, Editorial Department of Journal of Propulsion Technology. All right reserved.
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页码：707 / 713
页数：6
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