Current-voltage characteristics and electron beam generation efficiency in a high-voltage abnormal glow discharge

Investigations of I–V characteristics and electron beam generation efficiency in a high-voltage abnormal glow discharge in the direct current mode in helium at a pressure range of 2.17–10.2 Torr under conditions of minimizing controlled and uncontrolled impurities in the working medium have been carried out. The non-monotonically increasing character of the I–V characteristics is demonstrated and electron beam generation efficiencies of $\sim$80% are obtained.