Helicon Plasma Source Using a Flat-Spiral Antenna for Electric Propulsion
- Paper number
IAC-05-C4.4.05
- Author
Prof. Takao Tanikawa, Tokai University, Japan
- Coauthor
Prof. Shunjiro Shinohara, Kyushu University, Japan
- Year
2005
- Abstract
An important requirement in developing a next-generation electric propulsion system is to have highly efficient plasma sources that are capable of producing high-density plasmas with various different volumes. A helicon plasma source that employs helicon waves for plasma production can be a promising candidate because of its easy handling and its wide range of operational conditions. We have recently developed a large volume (75 cm in diameter and 486 cm in axial length) helicon-plasma source, and the plasma characteristics in the source have been investigated in detail. With the use of a large (43 cm in outer diameter) flat-spiral antenna located just outside a quartz-glass window at the end of the vacuum chamber, the device is capable of producing high-density plasma (gas species used so far are argon, helium, and hydrogen) of n e > 10 12 cm −3 with moderate rf input power of less than 1 kW, showing excellent discharge efficiency. In addition, innovative methods of controlling plasma profiles have been demonstrated by changing the magnetic field configuration near the spiral antenna and by changing the antenna radiation-field pattern. A new type of segmented flat-circular antenna is under investigation to further improve plasma production efficiency and plasma characteristics. Application of our helicon plasma source to electric propulsion systems will also be presented.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-C4.4.05.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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