Characterization of hydrogen thyratron positive column plasmas
Plasma properties of high current thyratron positive columns are investigated theoretically and experimentally, considering discharges of current density 50-250 amps/cm/sup 2/ in hydrogen at pressure 0.4 Torr. Calculations are performed of rate coefficients for important electron-impact processes and of electron transport coefficients in the plasma. Experimental measurements of electron densities, using Stark broadening, and of populations and relaxation rates of excited atomic states using laser-induced fluorescence, are performed on a specially-built thyratron. These measurements are compared with the theoretical results, and expressions for the electric field and electron temperature as functions of plasma current density are given.
- Research Organization:
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 7020650
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
COLD PLASMA
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELECTRON TUBES
ELEMENTS
ENERGY LEVELS
EXCITED STATES
GAS DISCHARGE TUBES
HYDROGEN
NONMETALS
PLASMA
POSITIVE COLUMN
RADIATION TRANSPORT
THYRATRONS