Title: Diagnostic of plasma streams from ion thrusters for space propulsion using emissive probes
Authors: L. Conde, S.P. Tierno, J.L. Domenech-Garret, J.M. Donoso, M. A. Castillo, I. Eíriz and I. Sáez de Ocáriz
Date of publication: November 4th 2016
Journal: Journal of Physics: Conference Series
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/768/1/012010
Abstract: The emissive probes are employed for the determination of the local plasma potential of plasma streams produced by ion thrusters. Its operation basically relies on electron collection and emission and are less sensitive to the ion motion than collecting probes. The diagnostic using emissive probes is reviewed with emphasis in low density plasmas. Our results support the conclusion that potential structures around the probe, as virtual cathodes, would be responsible for the operation of emissive probes in low density plasmas.