Ionization waves in electron-beam-assisted, shielded capillary discharge

The electrical breakdown in a low pressure, shielded capillary is described, by developing a theory of propagation of cathode-directed ionization waves. The ionization of the low density gas in the capillary, by an electron beam from the hallow cathode, leads to the discharge process. A quasi-one dimensional model is used to study the nature of the electron flow as well as the electrodynamic boundary conditions at the capillary wall. The space charge distribution associated with the ionization waves, is found in the form of plasma oscillations with a continuously increasing frequency.