ONE-DIMENSIONAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ANODE REGION IN A DC GLOW-DISCHARGE

The transition region between the anode and the positive column of a g low discharge (anode fall) is investigated. A one-dimensional stationa ry description based on a fluid model of the plasma including the anod e region is proposed. The results are compared with density profiles o f excited state atoms in a neon discharge (pr(o) = 1.5 Torr cm, i/r(o) = 1.6 mA cm(-1)). It was found that the knowledge of the electric fie ld on the anode is sufficient for the description presented here. The electric field was derived from a surface charge on the anode.