Standing waves formation as a possible explanation of the RMT ion thruster operation

Abstract

The coupling between plasma and e-m fields in the RMT thruster developed at LABEN Proel Tecnologie Division, has been experimentally and theoretically investigated showing interesting features. The high efficiencies obtained when the thruster operates at the optimum magnetic field may be explained by the formation of a resonant cavity mode in the discharge chamber that greatly enhances the ionization rate.