Swarm Analysis by Using Transport Equations. IV. A Quasi-Neutral Theory of the Positive Column of a Glow Discharge

Abstract

Swarm analysis by using transport equations has been applied to development of a quasi-neutral theory of the cylindrical positive column. First, transport equations for charged particles are generally rewritten in the system of axially-symmetrical cylindrical coordinates and various quantities at the central axis of positive column are solved, where in particular, a phenomenon of stationary diffusion cooling for positive ions is striking. Next, the transport equations for radial components of variables are treated under the condition of quasi-neutrality and spatially uniform energy, on the basis of which a theory of the electron temperature is established. Finally, after the above two processes are joined together, many plasma parameters in the positive column such as drift velocities, average energies, axial discharge currents, and so on, are numerically calculated in He, Ne, and Ar. Their characteristics are compared with already published data under a wider condition, and rather good agreements are obtained.