E×B Probe (Wien Filter)
Orthogonal E and B fields transmit only ions at v = E/B, enabling precise ion energy/velocity filtering for plume spectra, , and impurity analysis.
E×B Probe System (XHINS-ExB)
High-resolution ion velocity/energy diagnostics for Hall thruster and plasma source analysis
The E×B selector passes ions with velocity v = E/B through a collimator. Scanning the electric or magnetic field yields the ion velocity distribution function (), precisely resolves ion composition (charge-state fractions), determines propellant utilization efficiency, and infers ionization mechanisms—essential for Hall thruster and plasma source performance analysis and optimization.
Key Features
- Precisely resolve ion velocity distribution function () to obtain energy and velocity information
- Separate different charge-state ions (Xe⁺, Xe²⁺, Xe³⁺, etc.) and accurately measure composition ratios
- Determine propellant utilization efficiency through charge-state distribution to evaluate thruster performance
- Infer ionization mechanisms from multi-charge-state data to support discharge mode optimization and physics research
Key Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Energy range | 10 eV – 5 keV () |
| Velocity resolution | Typically < 1% (collimation/field dependent) |
| Magnetic field | 0 – 0.5 T (permanent or electromagnet) |
| Electric field | 0 – 10 kV/m (tunable bias) |
| Interfaces | KF / CF / custom flanges |