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Ionization Waves During the Subnanosecond Breakdown Initiated by Runaway Electrons in High-Pressure Nitrogen and Air

Journal Article · · Russian Physics Journal

The experimental investigations of a subnanosecond breakdown initiated by runaway electrons in air and nitrogen at the pressures within 0.013–0.4 MPa are performed. The temporal development patterns of the discharge plasma glow in different regions of the discharge gap are registered with a fast photodiode, a four-channel ICCD-camera, and an ultrafast streak camera. It is shown that the breakdown occurs in the form of ionization waves propagating from the electrode with a small radius of curvature. It is found that a runaway electron beam behind the anode foil at the nitrogen and air pressure ~0.1 MPa is detected with the collector at the point of time corresponding to the maximum gap voltage.

OSTI ID:
22863541
Journal Information:
Russian Physics Journal, Journal Name: Russian Physics Journal Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 60; ISSN RPJOEB; ISSN 1064-8887
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English