Magnetized Ionization Waves propagation and self-focusing in inhomogeneous magnetic field

Numerical and experimental characterization of nanosecond pulsed discharges has been conducted in a strong magnetic field environment. Under such conditions the drift velocity, ionization, recombination and attachment coefficients are functions of , , and angle a between these vectors. The development of a streamer at different inhomogeneous magnetic fields in the gap was analyzed in detail. The presence of magnetic field in the discharge gap leads to a sharp deceleration of the radial ionization wave, a decrease in the streamer radius, and an increase in the local electric field on the streamer head. As a result, the development of the discharge is sharply accelerated, and the electron density in the streamer channel sharply increases. A very large longitudinal electric field is formed near the head of the streamer. The electron drift in the radial direction is significantly suppressed, and the ionization rate is low due to low electron energy. It can be concluded that the streamer discharge sharply changes its characteristics in inhomogeneous magnetic fields and this control mechanism could be used in numerous applications. The mechanisms which controlled the magnetized ionization waves are discussed.