https://doi.org/10.1140/epjti/s40485-018-0044-2
Research
An interferometric force probe for beam diagnostics and the study of sputtering
Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, University of Kiel, Leibnizstraße 19, Kiel, D-24098, Germany
* e-mail: trottenberg@physik.uni-kiel.de
Received:
17
November
2017
Accepted:
27
February
2018
Published online:
21
March
2018
A novel probe for the measurement of forces exerted by a beam of ions and neutral
atoms on a small target is described. The force probe is intended for various applications: First, diagnostics of thruster plumes of electric spacecraft propulsion engines, in particular the determination of the spatial distribution of the momentum in
an exhaust beam, and second, the study of sputtering of solid targets by means of the related momentum transfer. The instrument makes use of a sensitive cantilever whose elastic deflection is measured interferometrically along two axes and enables that way a simultaneous measurement of two independent components of the force vector. The present contribution focuses on setup and calibration of the probe. Example measurements with obliquely irradiating ion beams are performed.
Key words: Sputtering / Momentum transfer / Force measurement / Beam diagnostics / Electric spacecraft propulsion
© Trottenberg et al.; licensee Springer., 2018
