Study of electron-extraction characteristics of an inductively coupled radio-frequency plasma neutralizer

Inductively coupled radio-frequency (RF) plasma neutralizer (RPN) is an insert-free device that can be employed as an electron source in electric propulsion applications. Electron-extraction characteristics of the RPN are related to the bulk plasma parameters and the device's geometry. Therefore, the effects of different electron-extraction apertures and operational parameters upon the electron-extraction characteristics are investigated according to the global nonambipolar flow and sheath model. Moreover, these models can also be used to explain why the electron-extraction characteristics of the RPN strongly depend upon the formation of the anode spot. During the experimental study, two types of anode spots are observed. Each of them has unique characteristics of electron extraction. Moreover, the hysteresis of an anode spot is observed by changing the xenon volume-flow rates or the bias voltages. In addition, the rapid ignited method, gas-utilization factor, electron-extraction cost and other factors that need to be considered in the design of the RPN are also discussed.