MODEL OF THE CATHODE DARK SPACE IN NOBLE-GAS MIXTURE DISCHARGES

A model of the cathode dark space Of DC glow discharges was developed in order to study the effects caused by mixing small amounts (less-than-or-equal-to 2%) of other noble gases (Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe) to He. The motion of charged particles was described by Monte Carlo simulation. Several discharge parameters (electron and ion energy distribution functions, electron and ion current densities, reduced ionization coefficients, and current density-voltage characteristics) were obtained. Small amounts of admixtures were found to modify significantly the discharge parameters. Comparison of the current density-voltage characteristics obtained from the model with experimental data showed a good agreement.