The application of coherent microwave scattering and multiphoton ionization for diagnostics of electric propulsion systems. (4th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Adam R; Karunarathne, Sashin L B; Babusis, Nicholas; Shashurin, Alexey
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 56:Number 18(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04
• Subjects: nonintrusive plasma diagnostics -- microwave plasma diagnostics -- coherent microwave scattering -- resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) -- multiphoton ionization (MPI) -- electric propulsion -- ion thrusters; Physics -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6463/acc25b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3727

Abstract

Abstract: Nonintrusive measurements of plasma properties are essential to evaluate, and numerically simulate, the in-flight performance of electric propulsion systems. As a logical first step in the development of new diagnostic techniques, this work depicts the implementation of multiphoton ionization and coherent microwave scattering (MPI-CMS) in a gridded-ion accelerator operating on rare gases. Presented studies primarily comprise photoionization spectroscopy of ground and excited state-populations of both neutrals and ions—supplemented by optical emission spectroscopy and Langmuir probe derived plume properties. Results suggest the potential of MPI-CMS for non-intrusive measurements of species number densities.