Abstract
A method of discharge initiation at an undervoltage by a laser-induced pulse of electrons from a photocathode is presented. The intended application is to produce spatially uniform current sheet initiation in gas-fed pulsed plasma thrusters. The effect is explained by a space charge buildup which can increase the electric field of the gap. A theoretical model was developed and showed that an increase of the charge multiplication coefficient to a level above unity will produce a current rise to breakdown. Attempts to use an ultraviolet light pulse to create a photocurrent spike were unsuccessful probably due to inadequate surface preparation of the photocathode. Infared laser pulses, however, did lead to current production which lead to breakdown from a 15% undervoltage in argon.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| State | Published - 2001 |
| Event | 37th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2001 - Salt Lake City, UT, United States Duration: Jul 8 2001 → Jul 11 2001 |
Other
| Other | 37th Joint Propulsion Conference and Exhibit 2001 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Period | 7/8/01 → 7/11/01 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Aerospace Engineering
- Control and Systems Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering