PLASMA OSCILLATIONS IN A LOW PRESSURE NEON DISCHARGE
Abstract
A low pressure Neon plasma was studied. Electronic methods of obtaining continuous graphical plots of probe current squared, and first and second derivatives of probe current, with respect to voltage were used. Data derived from probe measurements is presented graphically in the form of: plasma density, space potential, average electron energy, and oscillation intensities, as a function of probe position. Plasma densities derived from the positive ion section of probe current and a Druyvesteyn analysis are correlated with densities derived from detected electron oscillations. A correction factor on the order of the square root of Ti/Te is shown to be necessary to correlate the density derived by positive ion current with that found by other methods. Electron oscillations were detected on all data runs throughout the length of the discharge. Ion oscillations corresponding to those in argon were detected throughout the length of the discharge. The detected electron oscillations corresponded to the Langmuir plasma frequency. Detector current from these oscillations increased by a factor of as much as 1 x 10 to the 7th power on decreasing plasma density gradients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0479687
Entities
People
- Donald M. Alderson Jr.
- John D. Leonard Jr.
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School