Cataphoresis and collision processes in low-pressure discharges

Abstract

The cataphoretic segregation was measured in Ne-Ar and He-Ne mixtures by means of a mass spectrometer. The dependence of the segregation on the tube current and total gas pressure appeared to be consistent with theory. The segregation in Ne-Ar was measured as a function of the percentage of admixed Ar and as a function of the gas temperature.

Measurements in He-Ne were performed as a function of the percentage of admixed Ne and as a function of the total pressure. From this we arrived at the following reactions in this plasma for pressures of about 5 torr: He+ + 2He → He+2 + He and He+2 + Ne → Ne+ + 2He.