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Primary Electrons in a Low Pressure Discharge
Author(s) -
Amemiya H.,
Wiesemann K.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
annalen der physik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1521-3889
pISSN - 0003-3804
DOI - 10.1002/andp.19734850302
Subject(s) - atomic physics , instability , electron , plasma , equipotential , neon , argon , diffusion , distribution function , physics , materials science , krypton , cathode ray , ionization , beam (structure) , optics , mechanics , ion , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
We describe measurements of the evolution of the distribution function of primary electron's emitted from an indirectly heated (equipotential) oxide cathode in low pressure discharges in neon, argon and krypton. Besides a spatial scattering of the primary electron beam, velocity diffusion of the primary electrons as well to higher as to lower energies is found. This velocity diffusion is attributed to the onset of a beam plasma instability whose propagation and damping can be deduced from the change in the shape of the distribution function. It is found, that the finite plasma temperature is an important parameter for the damping of this instability.