Abstract
A 3-axis translating Langmuir probe system has been developed in order to characterize the plasma properties in the plume region of the Quad Confinement Thruster. These experiments have provided a volumetric map of the electron density, plasma potential, and electron temperature for three operating conditions of the device. The operating points investigated in this study were for a symmetric magnetic field and two magnetic steering scenarios where alternate sets of the thruster’s four electromagnets were powered. The most significant outcome of these experiments was a quantitative analysis of the thrust vectoring capabilities of the device showing an 11 degree angular offset of the plasma beam from the thruster axis for each of the two steering scenarios investigated. It was also found that there was a 90 degree change in orientation between the two steering conditions. This study has also contributed insight into the 3-dimensional structure of the plasma plume. The results indicate that the electron density and plasma potential peak near the centre axis whereas the electron temperature is at a minimum.