optimization-test-and-diagnostics-of-miniaturized-hall-thrusters

Optimization, Test and Diagnostics of Miniaturized Hall Thrusters

Miniaturized spacecraft and satellites require smart, highly efficient and durable low-thrust thrusters, capable of extended, reliable operation without ...

Nanyang Technological University

Silicon carbide films with different carbon concentrations x(C) have been synthesized by inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition from a SiH(4)/CH(4)/H(2) gas mixture at a low substrate temperature of 500 °C. The characteristics of the films were studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Our experimental results show that, at x(C) = 49 at.%, the film is made up of homogeneous nanocrystalline cubic silicon carbide without any phase of silicon, graphite, or diamond crystallites/clusters. The average size of SiC crystallites is approximately 6 nm. At a lower value of x(C), polycrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon carbide coexist in the films. At a higher value of x(C), amorphous carbon and silicon carbide coexist in the films.

Shiyong Huang

Biography

JoVE Journal Publications

Other Publications