Validating THz time-domain spectroscopy as a tool for characterizing low pressure inductively coupled plasmas of ion thrusters
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https://doi.org/10.22029/jlupub-21146Abstract
Accurate characterization of plasmas within the discharge chambers of gridded ion engines is essential for their advancement. This study showcases the effectivity of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) as a non-invasive technique for profiling low-pressure inductively coupled plasmas, mimicking the conditions of the discharge chamber in a radio-frequency ion thruster. Operating at pressures of 3 - 7 · 10−3 mbar inside the discharge chamber and a supply power of the radio frequency generator ranging from 10 - 80 W, THz-TDS reveals electron densities in the range of 2 · 1016 - 2 · 1017 m−3 for xenon, krypton, and argon plasmas. Our results show good agreement with Langmuir probe measurements and global plasma modeling, highlighting the accuracy and reliability of THz-TDS. This validation, conducted under conditions representative of gridded ion engines, demonstrates that THz-TDS is, in principle, suitable for characterizing the electron system of the plasma ignited in such thrusters in operation. This offers great potential of developing a promising additional tool for plasma diagnostics in electric propulsion systems.Link to publications or other datasets
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Journal of electric propulsion 4 (2025), 9