THEORY OF PINCH EFFECT IN ELECTRON-HOLE PLASMAS,
Abstract
An electron-hole plasma initially injected into a semiconductor at current-carrying contacts is compressed by its self-produced magnetic field. Extremely large power densities occur on the axis of such pinched plasmas. This causes rapid heating of the lattice and plasma within the pinch channel. Analog computer studies were used to follow the thermal ionization on the axis of the pinch as well as the concentration of plasma ejected from the inner region by pressure unbalance. The concentration of ejected particles rapidly builds up to exceed even that produced directly by the rising temperature on the axis. Accompanying the increase in the number of carriers is a large decrease in the voltage necessary to sustain constant current through the sample. The lower voltage reduces heat production on the axis which causes a readjustment of temperature and of the number of carriers producing a slight voltage rise. Thus the small voltage rise which has been attributed previously to the onset of pinching is seen to occur with the establishment of an equilibrium hollow pinch. Such a magnetothermal pinch occurs when the plasma is dissipating moderate power. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0605925
Entities
People
- Betsy Ancker-johnson
- James E. Drummond
Organizations
- Boeing