The time evolution of the electron energy distribution is studied experimentally and theoretically in a pulsed discharge in a mixture of mercury (p approximately equals 10** minus **3 torr) and argon (p approximately equals 1-3 torr). The electron density and average energy are calculated from the measured distributions. The electron energy distribution becomes approximately stationary 8-10 mu sec after the beginning of the pulse. The electron density decreases at the beginning of the pulse and then begins to increase toward its steady-state value 25-30 mu sec after the beginning of the pulse. Calculation of the distribution function under dynamic conditions yields satisfactory agreement with experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1171-1174
Number of pages4
JournalSoviet physics. Technical physics
Volume23
Issue number10
StatePublished - 1 Oct 1978

    Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

ID: 49094914