Theoretical comparison of effects of different cross fields on low pressure DC glow discharge

Abstract

the mathematical models of glow discharge in transverse (y-direction) and axial (z-direction) magnetic fields are established in this paper. Firstly, Paschen's law is modified for different cross fields. The results show that the breakdown voltage first decreases and then increases with the increase of y-direction magnetic field at the same pressure. The breakdown voltage of glow discharge in z-direction magnetic field increases with the increase of magnetic field. Secondly, the effects of y-magnetic field and z-magnetic field on glow discharge are compared and analyzed by using the modified ionization coefficient. The results show that the plasma density has an extreme value under the combined action of y-direction magnetic field and air pressure. At the same pressure, the plasma density first increases and then decreases with the increase of magnetic field. The larger the magnetic field, the more obvious the plasma attenuation. In the z-direction magnetic field, the plasma density increases with the increase of air pressure or magnetic field.