Spectra of electron oscillations in magnetoplasmadynamic thruster

The intensity and spectra of electron oscillations in magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster have been experimentally studied. Oscillatory regimes corresponding to various relations between the relative gradients of magnetic field, electron concentration, and residual gas pressure in the vacuum chamber of the experimental setup have been determined. Relationship between the regimes of excitation of electron oscillations, the formation of an azimuthal current, and a change in the plasma flow potential is revealed. Model notions about the instability of plasma flow on low- and high-frequency branches of electron oscillations are developed.