Physics of e × B discharges relevant to plasma propulsion and similar technologies

Igor D. Kaganovich, Andrei Smolyakov, Yevgeny Raitses, Eduardo Ahedo, Ioannis G. Mikellides, Benjamin Jorns, Francesco Taccogna, Renaud Gueroult, Sedina Tsikata, Anne Bourdon, Jean Pierre Boeuf, Michael Keidar, Andrew Tasman Powis, Mario Merino, Mark Cappelli, Kentaro Hara, Johan A. Carlsson, Nathaniel J. Fisch, Pascal Chabert, Irina SchweigertTrevor Lafleur, Konstantin Matyash, Alexander V. Khrabrov, Rod W. Boswell, Amnon Fruchtman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

111 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper provides perspectives on recent progress in understanding the physics of devices in which the external magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the discharge current. This configuration generates a strong electric field that acts to accelerate ions. The many applications of this set up include generation of thrust for spacecraft propulsion and separation of species in plasma mass separation devices. These "E × B"plasmas are subject to plasma-wall interaction effects and to various micro- and macroinstabilities. In many devices we also observe the emergence of anomalous transport. This perspective presents the current understanding of the physics of these phenomena and state-of-the-art computational results, identifies critical questions, and suggests directions for future research.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number120601
JournalPhysics of Plasmas
Volume27
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics

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