Faraday cup sizing for electric propulsion ion beam study: Case of a field-emission-electric propulsion thruster

This article provides information about the sizing and standardization of a Faraday cup (FC) used as plasma diagnostic. instrument is to accurately map ion beam profile produced by an electric propulsion (EP) device. A FC cylindrical probe that uses electrode, termed collector, measure current. Several studies have shown relevance adding extra called collimator, define collection area minimize interactions with ambient plasma. Both electrodes are encapsulated into isolated metallic housing prevents from disturbing measurements. In this case study, field-emission-electric (FEEP) thruster used. The FEEP technology electrostatic fields extract liquid metal (indium) ions sharp surface accelerates them high velocities, providing thrust. model in study ENPULSION NANO Austrian company Enpulsion. We present results focusing on terms length, aperture diameter, solid angle well material exposure beam. For far-field indium based thruster, our outcomes show optimum 50 mm long collector 7 wide inlet aperture. Moreover, shielding repeller/collimator direct seems greatly perturbation during current acquisition. Finally, only current, negative potential should be applied repeller, where latter more negative. contributes effort diagnostic for EP device characterization. goal enable repetitive reliable determination parameters performances.