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Cavity enhanced Thomson scattering for plasma diagnostics

dc.contributor.authorFriss, Adam J., author
dc.contributor.authorYalin, Azer P., advisor
dc.contributor.authorMarchese, Anthony J., committee member
dc.contributor.authorPolk, James E., committee member
dc.contributor.authorWilliams, John D., committee member
dc.contributor.authorYost, Dylan C., committee member
dc.date.accessioned2020-01-13T16:42:03Z
dc.date.available2020-01-13T16:42:03Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.description.abstractMeasurements of electron number density (nₑ) and electron energy distribution function (EEDF) are of great importance to the study of weakly ionized plasmas, such as those used in laser preionization, semiconductor processing and fabrication, electric propulsion devices, and atmospheric pressure plasmas. Currently, these parameters can be measured by physical probes, e.g. Langmuir probes, or with the use of non-intrusive Laser Thomson Scattering (LTS). While physical probe measurements have been an indispensable tool of the plasma physics community, they affect plasma source operation and result in unwanted plasma perturbation. LTS measurements are appealing due to the non-perturbing nature of the technique, but suffer from low signal levels and optical interference, making application to low-density plasma systems very challenging. This dissertation describes the development of a novel cavity enhanced Thomson scattering (CETS) diagnostic that enables sensitive, non-perturbing measurements of plasma properties. The technique is based upon frequency locking a high-power, narrow-linewidth continuous wave (CW) laser source to a high-finesse optical cavity to build-up intra-cavity power to a level where it can serve as an interrogation laser source. In this way, intra-cavity powers as high as ~12 kW have been generated from a ~5 W laser source and sensitive measurements on a plasma source and gas samples placed within the optical cavity were performed. Despite the CETS technique being widely applicable to a variety of plasma sources, this work focused on the measurement of electric propulsion devices, such as hollow cathodes and Hall effect thrusters. These devices are used as in-space propulsion systems on satellites and scientific probes and may be used as the primary in-space propulsion systems for exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. This work describes the development of the CETS diagnostic including the cavity locking approach, creation of a gas and plasma scattering model, and the development of both a low- and high-power experimental instrument. CETS is demonstrated by performing rotational Raman and Rayleigh scattering measurements on a variety of gases and by performing Thomson scattering measurements in the plume of a hollow cathode. The cathode measurement campaign was conducted over a range of operating conditions, and electron densities and temperatures in the range of ~10¹² cm⁻³ and ~3 eV were measured. Finally, a mobile fiber coupled version of the CETS setup designed for use in large vacuum facilities is presented, and Thomson scattering measurements made with the mobile instrument in the plume of a hollow cathode are discussed.
dc.format.mediumborn digital
dc.format.mediumdoctoral dissertations
dc.identifierFriss_colostate_0053A_15812.pdf
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10217/199834
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherColorado State University. Libraries
dc.relation.ispartof2000-2019
dc.rightsCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.
dc.subjectoptics
dc.subjectpropulsion
dc.subjectThomson
dc.subjectplasma
dc.subjectlaser
dc.subjectscattering
dc.titleCavity enhanced Thomson scattering for plasma diagnostics
dc.typeText
dcterms.rights.dplaThis Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights (https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/). You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
thesis.degree.disciplineMechanical Engineering
thesis.degree.grantorColorado State University
thesis.degree.levelDoctoral
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

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