Theoretical Analysis of Buildup of Current in Transient Townsend Discharge

Abstract

The buildup of current in the transient Townsend discharge has been calculated fully, taking the positive-ion and photon mechanisms at the cathode into account. The two cases of continuous and instantaneous electron supply have been treated. The calculated results are useful for the explanation of the buildup of current during the formative time lag of sparks under a sudden application of overvoltage, and for the transient state of a Townsend discharge in the case of undervoltage application.