Abstract: A plasma accelerator with closed electron drift comprising a dielectric discharge chamber (6) with internal and external annular walls (13) forming an annular accelerating channel, and a magnetic system with sources (3) of a magnetic field, a magnetic path (2), external (4) and internal (5) magnetic poles forming an operating gap in the region of the discharge chamber exit edges. An anode unit (7) with a gas distributor is located in the accelerating channel interior, and the distance from the anode-gas distributor (7) to the accelerating channel exit plane exceeds said channel width. A cathode-compensator (1) is located beyond the exit plane of the discharge chamber (6). Exit parts of the discharge chamber walls (13) facing the accelerating channel are made of conducting material. At least one dividing annular groove (12) is made on each chamber wall between its conducting and main parts.

Abstract: A plasma compensation cathode includes a casing (1) accommodating coaxially with its outlet hole (2) a hollow holder (3) and a thermal emitter (4) with a central passage (5), a layer (10) of material chemically inert at high temperatures to the materials of the holder and emitter being interposed therebetween. The central passage (5) is blind at the side of admission of gas, and is communicated with the interior of the holder (3) by way of a through passage (8) made in the wall of the thermal emitter (4) so that its axis intersects the axis of passage (5), and longitudinal grooves (9) made in the side surface of the thermal emitter (4) at the location of the inlet holes of the through passage (8).

Abstract: Internal and external magnetic screens made of magnetic permeable material are added between the discharge chamber and the internal and external sources of magnetic field, respectively. A longitudinal gap is maintained between the screens and their respective internal and external poles, that does not exceed half the distance between the internal and external poles. The exit end part of the internal magnetic screen is placed closer to the middle point of the accelerating channel than the internal pole. The walls of the exit end part of the discharge chamber are constructed with an increased thickness, and extend beyond the planes that the poles lay. The magnetic screens can be located with a gap relative to the magnetic path if connected by a bridge between the screens. The discharge chamber, the anode, and the magnetic system are symmetrically designed relative to two mutually perpendicular longitudinal planes.