Beam-Plasma Mechanism for Anode Plasma Generation in a Low-Pressure Two-Stage Self-Sustained Discharge with a Cold Hold Hollow Cathode

摘要

Results are presented from experimental studies of the anode region of a low-pressure two-stage self-sustained discharge with a closed cold hollow cathode. It is shown that applying an external longitudinal magnetic field promotes the generation of a dense anode plasma, whereas the transverse field impedes this generation. It is established that the beam-plasma mechanism for plasma generation plays a dominant role in the anode region of the discharge. The geometry of the electrodes of the gas-discharge chamber is optimized.