Title :
Streamer Growth in an E-Beam Sustained Discharge
Author :
Rostler, Peter S. ; Douglas-Hamilton, Diarmaid H.
Author_Institution :
Busek Co. Inc., Natick, MA
Abstract :
The streamer instability in nonself-sustaining discharges was investigated with framing camera photographs and shadowgraphs. Initiated by cathode layer instability, streamers exponentially grow at a rate that depends on both the power density and the electric field in the discharge, suggesting that both avalanching and thermal ionization are needed.
Keywords :
discharges (electric); electron beam effects; photography; plasma diagnostics; plasma instability; plasma-beam interactions; avalanching; cathode layer instability; discharge electric field; discharge power density; electron beam sustained discharge; framing camera photographs; non-self sustaining discharges; shadowgraphs; streamer growth; streamer instability; thermal ionization; Anodes; Cameras; Cathodes; Electrodes; Electrons; Gas lasers; Ionization; Laboratories; Laser beams; Streaming media; Electron beam (e-beam) applications; gas discharge devices; gas lasers; glow discharges;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2008.924417
