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sanman
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I've heard of the Hall Effect, and I've heard of Hall Thrusters. But then there's also something called the Quantum Hall Effect. Does that mean there could possibly one day be Quantum Hall Thrusters?
sanman said:Hi Zapper,
Why didn't I predict this reply from you? :)
I'm still asking -- can the Quantum Hall Effect be used for propulsion or enhancement of propulsion?
ZapperZ said:I'll answer that after you tell me how you propose to create a 2D electron transport system in a Hall thruster.
Zz.
sanman said:Graphene could be used as a 2D electron transport system. It's being touted as the best conductor ever, exceeding copper, gold and silver.
Please look at the conditions under which the Quantum Hall Effect is observed, then compare those conditions and environment with a those of Hall thruster.sanman said:I've heard of the Hall Effect, and I've heard of Hall Thrusters. But then there's also something called the Quantum Hall Effect. Does that mean there could possibly one day be Quantum Hall Thrusters?
No, it can not. If all you want is to make a magnetic field, you'd just use an electromagnet.sanman said:I'm wondering if the Quantum Hall Effect could perhaps be used in reverse, so that the flow of electrons would generate a strong magnetic field. That magnetic field could perhaps then be used to accelerate propellant mass.
The objective is to get the propellant as hot as possible, with a lot of kinetic energy/momentum per unit mass (and mass flow rate).sanman said:But the hall effect is observed under conditions of low temperature and strong magnetic fields. I don't see that maintaining a low temperature should be difficult for a spaceprobe, which is isolated in a vacuum. Furthermore, there are newer materials like graphene, which has been found exhibit the Quantum Hall Effect at room temperature!
http://www.cise.columbia.edu/nsec/research/nuggets.php?subsection=quantum
I'm wondering if the Quantum Hall Effect could perhaps be used in reverse, so that the flow of electrons would generate a strong magnetic field. That magnetic field could perhaps then be used to accelerate propellant mass.
Astronuc said:The objective is to get the propellant as hot as possible, with a lot of kinetic energy/momentum per unit mass (and mass flow rate).
Hall effect thrusters are hot.
Even better, MPD or magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters.
A Quantum Hall Thruster is a type of plasma-based spacecraft propulsion system that utilizes the principles of the Quantum Hall Effect to generate thrust. It is a highly efficient and precise method of propulsion that is commonly used in space missions.
The Quantum Hall Effect is a quantum phenomenon that occurs when an electric current flows through a thin layer of material in the presence of a strong magnetic field. This effect is utilized in a Hall Thruster to create a force that propels ions out of the thruster and generates thrust.
Quantum Hall Thrusters have several advantages over traditional propulsion systems, including higher specific impulse (fuel efficiency), lower power consumption, and longer operational lifetime. They also have the ability to operate at a wider range of power levels, making them more versatile for different space missions.
Quantum Hall Thrusters have a wide range of potential applications, including use in satellites, deep space probes, and interplanetary spacecraft. They can also be used for orbital maneuvers, station-keeping, and attitude control.
Some of the current challenges in developing and implementing Quantum Hall Thrusters include the need for more efficient and reliable power sources, as well as the development of more advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. There is also ongoing research to improve the efficiency and performance of these thrusters for future space missions.