Partially Constricted Glow Discharge in an Argon-Nitrogen Mixture

The characteristics of a glow discharge in Ar:N2 mixtures with a low content of nitrogen (0.02–1%) are studied experimentally. Most studies were performed at pressures higher than 10 Torr, at which the discharge constriction goes by a jump and the hysteresis effect is well pronounced. It is found that the time during which the discharge switches from the diffuse to the constricted mode (and back) can reach ∼1 s. The transition between these modes begins with the development of a constriction at one end of the positive column. Then, the constricted part of the discharge extends toward the other end until it occupies the entire column. The reverse transition occurs in a similar way. By varying the parameters of the electric circuit during the transition, the constriction front can be stopped to form a steady-state partially constricted discharge. It is shown that this type of discharge corresponds to points lying inside the hysteresis loop of the conventional I-V characteristic measured without affecting the discharge during a transition. A comparative analysis of the discharge characteristics in Ar:N2 mixtures and in pure argon is performed.