Non-Self-Sustained Hollow-Cathode Glow Discharge at Low Burning Voltages

Abstract

The results of investigations of low-voltage burning modes of a non-self-sustained glow discharge with a ~0.2 m3 hollow cathode at low (≈1 Pa) pressure, which is assisted by an external injection of electrons from the electric-arc plasma. The current-voltage characteristics recorded at low burning voltages 20–80 V demonstrate that there is a threshold glow-discharge burning voltage, at which a stepwise transition takes place from the burning conditions with high plasma inhomogeneity to the conditions of homogeneous plasma glow in the entire volume of the hollow cathode. This transition, accompanied by an enhanced hollow-cathode effect, is characterized by a 20–40% increase in the main discharge current. The glow discharge burning voltage, at which this current jump takes place lies within the range 45–60 V and depends on the value of the auxiliary discharge current and working pressure.