A self-consistent kinetic model of the effect of striation of low-pressure discharges in inert gases

A self-consistent kinetic model is used to treat the effect of striation of the positive column of gas discharge in low-pressure inert gases. The model is based on the solution of the kinetic Boltzmann equation for the electron energy distribution function, of the unsteady-state equation of drift and diffusion for ions, and of the Poisson equation for electric field. Spatial distributions of the electron and ion density are obtained, as well as of the electric field in the positive column of striated discharge. The model is used to explain the kinetic mechanism of origination of the effect of striation in low-pressure inert gases. The obtained distributions are independent of the initial conditions, and the solution gives a self-consistent "resonance" length of strata and the value and form of modulation of electric field.