SELF-CONSISTENT MODEL OF A POSITIVE-COLUMN IN AN INERT-GAS DISCHARGE AT LOW-PRESSURES AND SMALL CURRENTS

A formalism of the self-consistent solution of the kinetic equation an d the field equation is described for the positive plasma column in an inert gas discharge. The model considers the presence of electrons tr apped in the potential well transfering the discharge current and of f ree electrons which reach the walls in a free diffusion regime support ing the required ionization level in the discharge. The calculations h ave been carried out for neon. Tn the model application range the comp arison is made with experimental data of axial fields, wall potentials , wall currents and in some cases with distribution functions. A good correspondence takes place.