In a previous paper31 discrepancies between theory and experiment were found on investigating the positive column in a curved magnetic field. The approximation derived in 31 for the torus drift in a weakly ionized magnetoplasma is therefore checked here (Part I) with a refined theory which also yields the transverse electric field strength. Experimentally, both the transverse electric fields and the density profiles in the DC discharge were determined in addition to the longitudinal electric field strength.The discrepancies occurring in 31 are ascribed to the fact that the plasma concentrates at the cathode end of the magnetic field coils, this effect having a considerable influence on the form of the transverse density profile and on the stability behaviour. Part II later will show how the influence of this concentration can be eliminated and what effect in the current-carrying toroidal plasma causes a marked reduction of the charge carrier losses.
Low-pressure gas breakdown in longitudinal combined electric fields
