Effects of segmented electrode in Hall current plasma thrusters

Segmented electrodes placed along a ceramic channel in a Hall thruster are shown to influence significantly the plasma potential distribution. Both the radial potential and the axial acceleration region are sensitive to the location of the segmented electrodes. The measured and theoretical potential profiles appear to be affected in detail by the electrode material (graphite) having lower secondary electron emission than the ceramic channel walls. The measured plasma potential profile is shown as well to correlate with the observed and desirable narrowing of the plasma plume emanating from the thruster.