Nonlinear Theory Modeling Electron Beam Constriction in a Pulsed Power Discharge

Abstract

A simple nonlinear theory is developed to examine the process of electron channeling and constriction for an energetic electron beam passing through a cool thermalized plasma discharge. A number of different perturbations characterize and categorize the physical process of the three-fluid system. In this model, the electron species is separated into two different species of the same type but with very different initial particle states. A normalized set of curves parameterize the conditions most probable leading to electron channeling and pinch (beam constriction) in a pulsed power glow discharge. The theory suggests that energetic secondary electron emission at the cathode is responsible for glow discharge constriction in a pulsed power discharge.