Microwave power absorption to high energy electrons in the ECR ion thruster

TL;DR

This study investigates the microwave power absorption efficiency of the mu10 ECR ion thruster, combining modeling, analytical methods, and experiments to enhance understanding and performance of the device.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed local electron behavior model and three methods for evaluating microwave power absorption efficiency, validated through experiments and theory.

Findings

Good agreement between experimental methods and theory

The local electron behavior model is validated with Langmuir probes

A diffusion model explains electron temperature distribution variations

Abstract

The microwave power absorption efficiency of the mu10 ECR ion thruster, utilized in the Japanese asteroid explorers Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, is investigated in order to allow performance measurement and provide information for its improvement. A model detailing the local electron behavior in a real ECR plasma discharge, based the magnetic field characteristics, is presented. Three methods to evaluate the microwave power absorption efficiency are proposed: an estimation based on the chamber geometry and magnetic field characteristics, a measuremen based on performance parameters and a measurement performed with Langmuir probes. The equations used for each method are analytically derived. The local electron behavior model is confirmed with a Langmuir probe experiment. Measurement of the microwave power absorption efficiency is performed with the two independent methods proposed. Results from the two experiments show good agreement with each other and with the theory. Finally, a diffusion model explaining the different electron temperature distributions observed in the chamber is proposed. The model and experiments clarify the physics behind previously observed performance variations and give valuable hints for future chamber improvement.