TRAPPED AND FREE-ELECTRONS IN THE NEAR-ANODE REGION OF A STRIATED DISCHARGE

Spatial potential profiles and electron energy distribution functions are measured in the near-anode region of a striated neon glow discharg e. It is discovered that potential wells of small depth adjacent to th e anode appear on the spatial potential profiles at certain moments in time. The distribution functions measured in the potential wells have a pronounced maximum of slow electrons, which sharply distinguishes t hem from the distribution functions in the striation phases where ther e are no wells. The mechanism which shapes the electron distribution f unction for electrons trapped in a potential well is analyzed. A pertu rbing effect of the anode on the electron distribution function as the anode is approached is discovered experimentally, and an interpretati on of this effect is given. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S 1063-7842(98)00403-6].