RADIAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF THE CHARGED-PARTICLES IN A HE-KR HOLLOW-CATHODE DISCHARGE

Radial distributions of He+, He+2 and Kr+ were measured in a hollow cathode discharge in He and in He-Kr mixtures using a mass spectrometer. The dimensions of the discharge were similar to those used in He-Kr+ hollow cathode discharge lasers. From the ion densities the electron density was derived. Introducing krypton into the helium discharge results in decreasing both the densities of He+ and He+2 ions. During this process the radial distributions of the He+, H+2 and electron density change from parabolic into saddle-like profiles. The changes of radial profiles of the charged particles in the He-Kr hollow cathode discharge may affect the lasing properties of the mixture. © 1990.