Motion of Electrons in a Hollow-Cathode Discharge and Their Concentration Distribution Profiles

In a study of a hollow cathode-sustained discharge, three-dimensional spatial distributions of parameters of the electron component of plasma have been obtained for the first time both within the discharge volume and in the post-anode plasma region. The data obtained provide unique information on the structure and dynamics of electrons in various regions of the discharge. Experiments have shown that the anode glow formed under these discharge conditions has a spatial structure that completely surrounds the anode. A mechanism for plasma formation in the region behind the anode is proposed, according to which a significant portion of the electrons moving in the discharge follow curved trajectories around it.