ELECTRON-ENERGY AND ANGULAR-DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRONS IN A HELIUM DC GLOW-DISCHARGE CATHODE SHEATH WITH TRANSVERSE MAGNETIC-FIELDS

The electron energy distribution and scattering angular distribution i n the de glow discharge cathode sheath are studied by Monte-Carlo simu lation (MCS). The effect of a uniform field, which is perpendicular to the electric field of the cathode sheath on the electron energy and a ngular distribution is investigated. Three types of collision (elastic , excitation and ionization) are considered. The electron free flying time is determined by electron-neutral collision frequency. The result s indicate that in a transverse magnetic field, the electron transport time and the electron-neutral atom collision process in the cathode s heath are enhanced. The number of excitation collisions and ionization collisions increases with the increase in the magnetic field. The inc rease of the excitation number can enhance the light radiation. This r esult is in agreement with the experimental results. The results also show that the magnetic field can significantly affect the electron tra nsport behaviours in the cathode sheath region. The electron energy an d angular distribution obviously change with the increase of the magne tic field.