Electrically Excited Phenomena in Gas-Phase Devices

摘要

The research program sought to analyze in a very quantitative way the high current glow discharge for hydrogen, and other gases that are of interest for optogalvanic opening switches, thyratons, and for other areas of high power switching, The work developed quantitative modesl, and this analysis, based on theory and experiment, provides a body of basic knowledge to be used for switch development and other applications. the program addressed properties of the bulk plasma including transport, the electron distribution function, the populations of specific excited states, and device development. This is needed for the development of a new and different generation of gas phase devices, and thus will be especially useful as device concepts are developed that are based on energy transfer processes involving specific quantum states, such as light assisted opening switches and other optogalvanic devices. Further, the development of optical diagnostic methods will provide an important additional benefit to DoD laboratory research.