Electron dynamics in magnetized CO2 laser and He discharges

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The energy density of the electron flux in magnetized 30‐Torr He and He:N2:CO2 dc glow discharges was obtained by Monte Carlo simulation of the cathode region. The application of transverse magnetic fields to the cathode region caused an increase in collisions. This effect became increasingly important in the second half of the cathode region, where magnetic trapping of high‐energy electrons occurred. Ionization was enhanced in the cathode region as well as the negative glow, with maximal electron multiplication observed for magnetic field strengths of approximately 0.1 T. This suggests both that a lower cathode fall may be possible in a magnetized discharge and that the electric field reversal in the negative glow will be accentuated. Thus, magnetization of the cathode region may improve the electrical efficiency of CO2 lasers.