Magnetic Control of Diffuse Discharges

By application of a crossed magnetic field, the electron energy distribution in a gas discharge can be shifted to lower energy values, as demonstrated by means of Monte Carlo calculations for electrons in He:SF6 mixtures. Consequently, through the change in the rate coefficients for ionization and attachment, the sustaining field in the discharge plasma is increased. This magnetically induced voltage rise was studied in a low-pressure glow discharge. The cathode fall was found to be the dominant component in determining the characteristics of this magnetically controlled discharge. The drastic rise of the cathode fall above a threshold value could be utilized in operating a glow discharge as an opening switch for an inductive energy storage system.