Laser-induced fluorescence diagnostics of the cross-field discharge of Hall thrusters

This article presents a review of work performed over the past ten years in France, centered on the utilization of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy to diagnose the low-pressure magnetized dc discharge of a Hall thruster (HT). The latter is a gridless electric propulsion device in a crossed electric and magnetic field configuration, which is used onboard satellites and space probes for various types of maneuvers. Although the design of a HT is relatively simple, the physical mechanisms that govern thrust generation and efficiency are not yet fully understood. Characterization of the ion and atom velocity distribution function (VDF) appears to be a powerful way to obtain insights into the underlying physics. The VDF of xenon and krypton-the most common propellants-is therefore locally interrogated by means of LIF on excited levels. In this review emphasis is placed on time-averaged and time-resolved continuous-wave LIF measurements, associated quantities and recent outcomes. Results will be presented concerning a variety of phenomena: velocity vector field structuring, ion population interaction, electric field generation, ion magnetic drift, apparent atom acceleration, interaction of the plasma plume with background gas and low-frequency electric field oscillations, to name only a few.