Plasma generator for a bipolar electron-optic system

The article presents the results of experimental studies of a pulsed plasma generator with a hollow cathode, developed for a bipolar electron-optical system with an open plasma border. The plasma generator design includes two modified plasma accelerators with an anode layer. The device can operate in low-current high-voltage and high-current low-voltage “plasma” modes. The main focus of the publication is on a high current mode of operation, which is similar to a glow discharge with a positive column. It has been established, that in certain experimental conditions along with a closed electron drift discharge, it is possible to ignite the additional non-self-maintained discharges with a hollow cathode and oscillating electrons. As a result, the burning voltage of the initiating discharge decreased and the discharge current increased. Under these conditions, the current-voltage characteristics of a high-current discharge mode are measured. Using the double probes method, measurements of local plasma parameters and their spatial distribution in the discharge region were carried out. The maximum plasma concentration was (6.5 ÷ 6.8) × 10¹² cm^-3 on the plasma generator axis.

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