Low-frequency polarization and gas discharge plasma pinching in scientific and technological applications

摘要

It is shown that low-frequency polarization is responsible for the formation of charged layers at the plasma boundary, mainly creating a polarization vector which, adding together with the external field provides a shielding effect. Low-frequency polarization is also responsible for the appearance of an electric field energy gradient transverse to the electric current, due to which a double layer is formed that defines the outer boundary of the plasma pinch. The double charged layer initiates the formation the transverse structure of the gas discharge plasma in open space. Thus, low-frequency polarization and the resulting electric field energy gradient cause compression of the gas discharge plasma at the initial stage of contraction until the discharge acquires an equilibrium thermalized form that cannot be used for technology.