Axial structure of discharges sustained by ionizing fast electromagnetic surface waves

Previous studies on the axial structure of surface wave sustained discharges are extended and generalized to accounting for different gas discharge regimes. Discharge maintenance at high electron densities leading to fast surface waves is investigated assuming Joule collisional heating. Cases of both strong and weak collisions are analyzed. The self-consistent distribution of electron density in the axial direction is studied. A quadratic law is obtained for the axial density profile which transforms into the well-known linear density profile when the density is low enough.< >