Temperature and Density Profile of Xe I and Xe II Inside the Discharge Channel of a Hall Effect Thruster *

Plasma species transport inside the discharge channel, specifically in the ionization and acceleration zones of a Hall Effect Thruster is the key factor that involves with thruster’s efficiency and lifetime. Spatially resolving the ionization and acceleration zones requires temperature and density profiles of neutrals and ions. A Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) technique is employed to determine the excited state temperature and relative density of Xe I, Xe II in different discharge conditions. Spatially distributed plasma potential maps are estimated from the top of the anode to the plume of the thruster.