Frequency Dependence of the Parameters of the Inductive RF Discharge Located in the Low-Value Magnetic Field

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In this work, we carried out studies of the properties of an inductive RF discharge placed in a magnetic field with an induction of less than 70 G at frequencies of 2, 4 and 13.56 MHz. Experiments have shown that when operating at frequencies of 2 and 4 MHz at low powers of the RF generator, the range of existence of the discharge is limited by large magnetic fields. The efficiency of RF power input η non-monotonically depends on the magnitude of the magnetic field. The position of the main maximum η shifts to the region of higher B with increasing frequency, power of the RF generator and argon pressure, and at the same time the maximum broadens. An increase in frequency, power and argon pressure is accompanied by an increase in the absolute values of η. When operating at a frequency of 4 MHz, in addition to the main maximum η, a local maximum appears in the region B 35–70 G. With increasing pressure, a shift in the position of the local maximum and its smoothing is observed. Comparison of experimental data with calculated data allows us to conclude that the local maximum of plasma density observed at weak magnetic fields is associated with resonant excitation of waves in the plasma source. At a frequency of 2 MHz, the excited wave is close to a transverse helicon, and at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, its properties approach the Trivelpiece–Gold wave.