Plasma Plume Characterization in an ECRT with Magnetic Arch Configuration

This dataset contains experimental measurements acquired during the characterization of a dual-source Electron Cyclotron Resonance Thruster (ECRT) operated in a magnetic arch configuration. The data support a Master’s thesis and an associated journal publication (in preparation) on plume physics in clustered electrodeless plasma thrusters. Experiments were conducted in a large high-vacuum chamber (≈3.5 m × 1.5 m) at operating pressures between ~2×10⁻⁵ and 5×10⁻⁵ mbar. The thruster consists of two coaxial ECR plasma sources driven at 2.45 GHz with opposing magnetic nozzle polarities, producing an arched magnetic field topology. Xenon was used as the propellant, with flow rates typically ranging from 5 to 20 sccm total. Magnetic field measurements were obtained using a three-axis Hall probe mounted on a robotic positioning system. Plasma plume diagnostics include an RF-compensated Langmuir probe, a Faraday cup for ion current density measurements, and a retarding potential analyzer (RPA) for ion energy distribution measurements. All diagnostics were positioned using a robotic arm, enabling scans in both the horizontal (arch) plane and the vertical symmetry plane. Raw data consist of probe currents, voltage sweeps, magnetic field components, and position coordinates. Standard analysis techniques were applied; raw data are preserved alongside processed results. Further details on the experimental setup, methodology, and analysis procedures are provided in the associated publication. DOIs for the related publications will be added once available.