Investigation of the processes of periodic plasma structure formation in transverse nanosecond discharge with a slotted cathode

A periodic standing-like plasmic striation in inert gases has been observed and investigated under transversal nanosecond electric discharges. The pressure limits relevant for formation of a periodic plasma structure have been established, and the critical values for the voltage amplitude and discharge current have been found corresponding to the upper boundary of the range in which the plasma structure is formed. The external magnetic field effect on the parameters of the periodic plasma structure has been studied. It is stated that the plasma structure is formed at the stage of steady-state discharge and that the lifetime of the periodic structure considerably increases when the transversal magnetic field is applied.