The structure and propagation of ionizing wave fronts

Abstract

A non-linear wave propagation mechanism is found for ionization fronts. The fronts propagate due to ionizing collisions between electrons and neutrals. A parameter is obtained which specifies the amount of electrical interaction. For small electrical interaction, charge separation may occur and the front can propagate at any speed greater than a critical value. For large electrical interaction, the number densities of ions and electrons are nearly equal and a lower bound on the propagation speed is also found.