The production of large concentrations of molecular ions in the lengthened negative glow region of a discharge

Abstract

A technique for enhancement of positive molecular ion concentrations in a glow discharge is presented. The technique consists of modifying an anomalous glow discharge by the addition of a longitudinal magnetic field of up to 300 G. Enhancements in the ion signal strength, as measured by millimeter and submillimeter wave spectroscopy, are approximately two orders of magnitude. Evidence is presented that the magnetic field increases the length of the ion rich negative glow by restricting inside a small diameter tube the ionizing electrons accelerated by the large cathode drop of an anomalous glow discharge.