Wave Nature of Moving Striations

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Abstract
The results are presented of time‐ and space‐resolved measurements on self‐excited moving striations and on the response of the positive column of a low‐pressure glow discharge to externally excited pulses. From these the profile, structure, and the backward‐wave nature of moving striations are clearly indicated. A new method of solution to the equation originally presented by Pekarek is shown to contain all of the experimental results, including the dispersion of a pulse disturbance. A stability criterion is derived; especially useful is that the onset of striations in a discharge can be calculated from a simple quadratic equation. The coupling with other oscillations in the plasma is investigated and it is shown that they cause phase modulation and mode jumping. The relationship of these results to other recent reports is considered. In general, the phenomena previously reported can be explained and points of conflict can be reconciled.