A novel equilibrium theory of helicon discharges

The equilibrium of helicon discharges was investigated using a non-standard diffusion theory in which the Simon short-circuit effect was taken into account. The problem was reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations yielding universal radial profiles of plasma density and potential, and of neutral density. In particular, it is shown that the plasma density is always peaked on axis even if the ionization is concentrated at the edge by the Trivelpiece-Gould mode. The results agree with experimental data.