STREAMER CHANNEL INTERGROWTH - THE FIELD AND DENSITY OF PLASMA BEHINDTHE IONIZATION WAVE AND INITIATING ELECTRONS BEFORE IT

Based on a model permitting of an approximate analytical solution, an ionization wave is treated which simulates the process in the streamer head. Simple formulas are derived for calculation of the streamer par ameters, namely, the rate of its propagation, density of plasma arisin g in its head, and the thickness of ionization wave. The formulas refi ne the results derived by various authors. The physical meaning of reg ularities and causal relationship between the streamer parameters are discussed. Special attention is given to finding the field in the stre amer channel behind the head. Reference is made to the fact that the p ublished results with respect to this quantity are incorrect. Initial ionization before the streamer head is treated. It is shown how many i nitiating electrons in what location are required for normal functioni ng of the ionization wave. The number of initiating electrons which fo rm during the streamer propagation in the air is estimated.