Glow Discharge Initiated with Non-Uniform Gas Density with Planar and Coaxial Electrodes

Abstract: The work carried out theoretical and experimental studies of a glow discharge in a space with a non-uniform gas density in cases of axisymmetric and planar arrangement of electrodes. In experimental studies, a nonuniform gas density in the interelectrode space was created by pumping gas at supersonic speed near one of the electrodes. The inhomogeneity of the gas density distribution in the interelectrode space was determined on the basis of theoretical calculations of the parameters of a supersonic jet formed by a Laval nozzle with a central body. It has been established that supersonic gas pumping makes it possible to organize a non-uniform distribution of gas density in the interelectrode space. It is shown that the characteristics of the discharge in terms of spatial localization, radiation intensity, and formation of near-electrode zones depend on the gas density distribution in the interelectrode space.