MICROWAVE STUDIES OF IONIZATION PHENOMENA IN GASEOUS DISCHARGES.
Abstract
Electron density decay over the range 10 to the 11th power to 8 x 10 to the 9th power/c.c. in the afterglows of helium and argon plasmas has been measured using a 3 cm microwave free-space interferometer. Results indicate the dominance of ambipolar diffusion (mobility) at pressures less than 1 torr whereas electron-ion recombination became significant above this pressure. In contrast with previous work carried out at lower densities and smaller plasma dimensions, the existence of non-thermal electron energies is postulated on the basis of the mobility and recombination parameters measured. A conversion frequency of 376p2 from atomic to molecular argon was also measured, concerning which no experimental study had previously been reported. Summaries of two Interim Scientific Reports, already published, are given dealing with microwave studies of ionization rates in d.c. plasmas and harmonic generation at microwave frequencies using varactor diodes, in addition to four publications mainly concerned with electronic circuitry associated with the plasma research. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0652503
Entities
People
- M. C. Sexton
Organizations
- University College Cork