Home > Knowledge Base Authors: V. Hugonnaud, Stéphane Mazouffre, D. Krejci Published On: October 13, 2022 Event: Journal of Applied Phys., Vol. 132, 193302 (10p) Download PDF Abstract This work provides measurements of the ion-induced electron emission (SEE) yield caused by keV-range energy indium ions (3 to 8 keV). In our experiment the ion sources, fuelled with indium, are based on the working principle of field-emission electric propulsion (FEEP) technologies. The measured yields are given for different material properties (plain structure vs foam) and geometries (flat surface vs conical). Study outcomes show that electrons induced by keV-range indium ions can lead to overestimate the measured ion current by 30% to 200% depending on the collector materials and geometry. We spotlighted that molybdenum, tungsten and stainless steel 316L have relatively low yields compared to aluminium 2017A. Moreover, it is possible to lower down a specific material yield by two third when using a foam structure. Finally, it is shown that off-axis ions influence on a collector increase the resulting electron emission yield. In the case of an indium-FEEP thruster ion-induced electron emissions are a major perturbation when measuring ion current. Mainly due to the energy range of ions studied, yields retrieved are orders of magnitudes larger than what it is usually measured when studying the plume of an electrostatic electric propulsion system. It is therefore strongly recommended to use a so-called Faraday cup to study the ion beam from an indium-FEEP thruster as the probe close architecture allows to greatly mitigate these perturbations. DOWNLOAD PDF Thank you for your interest in ENPULSION’s products and services! As a global market leader in electric propulsion for nano- and microsatellites, we offer you a broad range of fully integrated electric propulsion systems, as well as simulator and emulator products, and support and services to guide you from first conceptual steps to spacecraft design, integration, launch-preparation, as well as commissioning and operations, all the way to end-of life de-orbiting of your spacecraft – our expert teams are always at your side. Exclusive ENPULSION data-room If you are interested to gain access to the next layer of technical information and in-depth knowledge of our products and technology, please contact us. In the ENPULSION data-room you can find product-specific user manuals, in-depth technical guides and applicable documents, containing valuable information on handling and shipping requirements, as well as everything you need to know to get the best performance and utility out of your ENPULSION products.
