A comprehensive analysis of measurements supporting the presence of anomalous cross-field electron mobility in Hall plasma accelerators is presented. Nonintrusive laser-induced fluorescence measurements of neutral xenon and ionized xenon velocities, and various electrostatic probe diagnostic measurements are used to locally determine the effective electron Hall parameter inside the accelerator channel. These values are then compared to the classical (collision-driven) Hall parameters expected for a quiescent magnetized plasma. The results indicate that in the vicinity of the anode, where there are fewer plasma instabilities, the electron-transport mechanism is likely elastic collisions with the background neutral xenon. However, we find that in the vicinity of the discharge channel exit, where the magnetic field is the strongest and where there are intense fluctuations in the plasma properties, the inferred Hall parameter departs from the classical value, and is close to the Bohm value of (omega(ce)tau)(eff) approximately 16. These results are used to support a simple model for the Hall parameter that is based on the scalar addition of the electron collision frequencies (elastic collision induced plus fluctuation induced), as proposed by Boeuf and Garrigues [J. Appl. Phys. 84, 3541 (1998)]. The results also draw attention to the possible role of fluctuations in enhancing electron transport in regions where the electrons are highly magnetized.

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports (0704-0188), 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN YOUR FORM TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY) 18-01-2007 REPORT TYPE Journal Article DATES COVERED (From -To) TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Laser-induced Fluorescence Measurements of Velocity within a Hall Discharge ABSTRACTThe results of a study of laser-induced fluorescence velocimetry of neutral and singly ionized xenon in the plume and interior portions of the acceleration channel of a Hall thruster plasma discharge operating at powers ranging from 250 to 725 W are described. Axial ion and neutral velocity profiles for four discharge voltage conditions (100V, 160V, 200V, 250V) are measured as are radial ion velocity profiles in the near-field plume. Ion velocity measurements of axial velocity both inside and outside the thruster as well as radial velocity measurements outside the thruster are performed using laser-induced fluorescence with nonresonant signaldetection on the xenon ion 5d[4]7/2-6p[3]5/2 excitation transition while monitoring the signal from the 6s[2]3/2-6p[3]5/2 transition. Neutral axial velocity measurements are similarly performed in the interior of the Hall thruster using the 6s[3/2]02-6p[3/2]2 transition with resonance fluorescence collection. Optical access to the interior of the Hall thruster is provided by a 1-mm-wide axial slot in the insulator outer wall. While the majority of the ion velocity measurements used partially saturated fluorescence to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, one radial trace of the ion transition was taken in the linear fluorescence region and yields a xenon ion translational temperature between 400 and 800 K at a location 13 mm into the plume.

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