Laser Thompson Scattering Investigation of Plasma Oscillations in Hall-Effect Thrusters

Hall effect thrusters are identified as a leading propulsion system candidate for deep space missions and applications related to human exploration. The NASA In-Space Technology Roadmap identifies maximization of thruster lifetime and prediction of flight performance as central challenges for Hall effect thruster development. Transient plasma oscillations such as the spoke and breathing instabilities are known to have an impact on thruster performance and life. Understanding the source of these oscillations and predicting their occurrence remain some of the significant challenges of Hall effect thruster development. These instability modes appear to originate deep in the ionization region of Hall thrusters, in areas where direct plasma measurements cannot be made without disrupting the oscillation of interest for study. The objective of the proposed research is to use non-invasive Laser Thompson Scattering to study plasma oscillations in Hall effect thrusters. The data shall be used to vet hypotheses about the mechanisms that drive these instabilities. In addition, maturation of the Laser Thompson Scattering technique with application to Hall effect thrusters will enable the diagnostic to be applied as part of the development and qualification activities for flight thrusters. The proposed research supports NASA TABS element 2.2.1 by increasing understanding of plasma oscillations in Hall effect thrusters and the impact on thruster performance and life.

The proposed research supports NASA TABS element 2.2.1 by increasing understanding of plasma oscillations in Hall effect thrusters and the impact on thruster performance and life.

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