Positive Ion Impediment by short-circuiting effect in a magnetized plasma column

Abstract

The radial characteristic of a partially magnetized plasma column created by a hot cathode filament is presented. It is found that in the absence of magnetic field, plasma potential and density varies similarly according to Boltzmann distribution. However as the magnetic field increases, a clear divergence is seen as plasma density becomes more pronounced in the centre whereas a corresponding minima is observed in plasma potential; thus limiting the radial diffusion of positive ions towards the grounded sidewalls. A phenomenological model based on short-circuiting effect is developed, which fairly explains this contrasting behaviour.