Ionization wave propagation in long tube discharges

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20067651

Hutcherson, R K

The authors describe observations of ionization wave propagation during the starting of long tube, rare gas discharges. Particular emphasis is placed on how the discharge tube internal surface conditions and wall curvature influence wave propagation velocity. The starting of a discharge with large length to diameter ratio occurs in several steps. A few electrons must be generated which then initiates an avalanche, typically near the cathode. The resulting avalanche produces a conductive plasma which charges up the long tube's insulating wall in the electrode region. The localized wall charging launches an ionization wave which bridges cathode to anode with a conductive path, after which the discharge starts. Wall properties influence charge production and loss and thus affect wave propagation. The authors infer the existence of ionization waves from discharge current and voltage waveforms and from the time dependence of spectroscopically resolved optical emission at various positions along the discharge tube. These waveforms also provide a measure of ionization wave properties (velocity, intensity . . .). Results will be described for 1 to 100 Torr rare gas discharges in 5 mm ID insulating tubes. The relation between discharge tube properties and ionization wave propagation will be described and compared to a simple model.

• Research Organization: Osram Sylvania, Beverly, MA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20067651
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
IONIZATION
LIGHT BULBS
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMA PRODUCTION
TOWNSEND DISCHARGE
WAVE PROPAGATION