A Stability Criterion for a Radially Constricted Gas Discharge Between Electrodes

Abstract

The stability of a centrally constricted, highly ionized deuterium discharge between electrodes is considered. Initially, the normal mode and energy principles for the examination of plasma stability are reviewed and the results contrasted. Teller's powerful stability criterion is next obtained in a useful integral form by means of a thermodynamic analysis of interchange instability. This general geometrical result is then applied to the centrally constricted plasma between electrodes, and a sufficient stability criterion derived.