Properties of a series crossed‐field discharge in a vacuum switch

Properties of low pressure gas discharges generated in a vacuum switch placed in a magnetic field were investigated for an approach to a method of measuring pressure. The discharge was identified in a previous paper as a series crossed‐field discharge of an inverted magnetron and of a magnetron. The present experiments reveal discharge–current dependences on pressures, discharge voltages and magnetic‐field strengths. These dependences agree well with those deduced from properties of the two elemental discharges that are applicable to pressure measurement. Discharges were generated in various gas species, and discharge–current dependence on gas species was obtained. The series crossed‐field discharge was proved to be self‐sustaining, and an estimate supports the discharge stability.