PLASMA PROPERTIES OF KILOAMPERE DISCHARGES.
Abstract
Plasma properties and characteristics that are of interest to high-current switching devices were investigated. Peak pulse currents up to 80,000 amperes were used to generate dense plasmas in linear glass-metal diodes. Two tube diameters, 3 and 7.5 inches, were studied. In the case of the 3-inch-diameter diode, the electrode separation was varied from 10.6 to 25.1 cm. Hydrogen gas was studied in the pressure range from 0.5 to 40 torr. Electron densities and temperatures have been determined using spectroscopic techniques. Densities were found to be in the 10 to the 16th power to 10 to the 17th power/cu cm range. Plasma resistivities have been determined from a knowledge of the density and temperature. The observed dependence of resistivity on current and pressure is discussed and the results are compared with resistivities obtained from tube-drop measurements. The effects of impurities and instabilities are also discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0643197
Entities
People
- John E. Creedon
Organizations
- United States Army Communications-Electronics Command