A two-component model for the electron distribution function in a high-current pseudospark or back-lighted thyratron

摘要

Temperature, energy, and densities of two electron distribution function components, including an isotropic bulk part and an anisotropic beam, are analyzed for a hydrogen pseudospark and/or back-lighted thyratron switch plasma with a peak electron density of 1-3*10/sup 15/ cm/sup -3/ and peak current density of approximately=10/sup 4/ A/cm/sup 2/. Estimates of a very small cathode-fall width during the conduction phase and high electric field strengths lead to the injection of an electron beam with energies