An electron attachment plasma instability

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1973 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1654978· OSTI ID:4359044

Douglas-Hamilton, D. H.

A new type of plasma instability is described in an electron-beam ionized discharge. This instability occurs in gas mixtures in which the dissociative attachment rate increases strongly with electric field. It has been observed experimentally in He:H₂O 740 : 20 and in He:CO _{1:1 and 9:1} mixtures. The values of the ionization source function S and of the electric field E at which the wave instability occurs are predicted using a Fourier analysis of the linearized kinetic rate equations. This yields the condition for instability as S < (l/ alpha )[E( partial delta BETA / partial delta E) - BETA ]² , where alpha is the electron-ion recombination coefficient and BETA is the electron neutral attachment rate.

• Research Organization: Avco Everett Research Laboratory, Inc. Everett, Massachusetts 02149
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-29-014407
• OSTI ID: 4359044
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 23; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS-- PLASMA INSTABILITY
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CARBON DIOXIDE
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRON BEAMS
HELIUM
IONIZATION
MIXTURES
PLASMA
WATER BEAM-PLASMA SYSTEMS