Features of ignition of the intense discharge in crossed fields with a thermionic cathode

Presented results of experimental investigations of thermionic cathodes in using as a cathode compensators working with hall thruster. Investigation of the ignition process of a intensive discharge in crossed ExH fields inside the hall thruster showed that at the ignition full discharge current can be a 10-20 times larger than steady-state current. ”Outburst” current at the time of the discharge due to high concentration of atoms in the ionization zone (compared to the operating mode), and their quick burnout. It was found that the emissive current of the cathode has a decisive influence on the burnout process of the atoms in the thruster´s channel. It is also has been found significant influence of magnetic field in the channel on the ignition voltage of the discharge and discharge burning regime.