Theoretical Exploration of Observed V-B Transitions between Magnetron Discharge and Anode-Obstructed Hollow-Cathode Discharge Mode

Abstract

The transition between the magnetron discharge and the anode-obstructed hollow-cathode discharge modes has been theoretically explored using the Monte Carlo method. The calculated discharge voltage versus magnetic field (V-B) transition curves are in agreement with the experimentally measured bimodal V-B characteristics. The calculated discharge voltage in the obstructed hollow-cathode mode increases with increasing magnetic field up to a critical value, Bc. Above this critical value the voltage required to sustain a discharge is dramatically lower and invariant to further increases in B. The latter behavior is characteristic of the well-known magnetron discharge mode. The B-field-induced variation of the sustaining voltage is judged to arise from a corresponding variation of the electron temperature of the plasma with applied magnetic field.