Optimization of a wall-less Hall thruster

An experimental optimization of a Hall thruster in wall-less operation mode is performed with the PPS-Flex, a 1.5kW class thruster capable of modifying the magnetic field topology over a broad range of configurations. The anode geometry and the magnetic topology have been modified to avoid interaction between the magnetic field lines and the anode surface, compared to the first wall-less Hall thruster prototype. The measurements of the thrust and far-field ion properties reveal that a satisfactory performance level can be obtained once the magnetic barrier is restored, and pave the way towards the development of a high-efficiency wall-less Hall thruster. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.