Static and dynamic characteristics of multichannel discharge in rare‐gas‐mercury mixtures

摘要

Analysis of multiarc formation in a concentric discharge tube is described. The effect of diffusion on static characteristics is also examined. The mechanism for current modulation by anode oscillation in a multianode tube is then simulated by an electric switching circuit. The simulated results agree well with the measurement results. It is found that the effect of diffusion on dynamic multiarc characteristics plays an important role in determining excess ionization patterns. When excess ionization takes place on one anode, discharge current increases, plasma density increases, and charged particles diffuse to adjacent channels. Consequently, the plasma density, hence the discharge current, in the adjacent channel also increases. This increased current causes excess ionization on the adjacent channel anode. The peculiar sequence patterns of excess ionization are explained by this effect of diffusion on dynamic characteristics.