LOW-PRESSURE GLOW DISCHARGE

A cold-cathode gaseous discharge device is presented in which highly efficient electrostatic trapping of electrons permits a gaseous discharge to occur at pressures down to 10/sup -5/ Torr with applied d-c voltages less than 2 kv. The device provides a simple means of ionizing a gas at a low pressure and has potential applications as an accelerator ion source, an ionic pump, and a pressure gage. Discharges of many amperes can be achieved by pulsing the device at potentials slightly above the starting potential. (C.E.S.)