Mode Transition of Ionization Waves in Non‐Uniform Magnetic Field

Abstract

Experimental observations on mode transition in a positive column of Xe gas under non-uniform axial magnetic field are reported. The self-excited ionization wave is damped and a different type of ionization wave is grown in the region of the strong magnetic field near the magnetic coils. The mode transitions appear on both sides of the magnetic coils where the magnetic field crosses a critical value.