Monte carlo simulation of gas ionization in the interelectrode gap of a low-current discharge in an argon-mercury mixture

Abstract

Kinetics of electrons, ions and metastable excited atoms in a low-current gas discharge between flat electrodes in the mixture of argon with mercury vapors was simulated. The motion of electrons was calculated using the Monte Carlo method, while that of ions and metastables was described on the basis of their transport equations. The ionization coefficient of the mixture was calculated as a function of relative mercury density. The dependence of discharge ignition voltage on the interelectrode distance was determined.