Conditions for striking a discharge in crossed E and B fields

The problem of the conditions under which a discharge in crossed E and B fields can be struck is treated in the classical approximation for the case of a hot plasma in which the characteristic ionization and charge-exchange times are less than the Coulomb times. A series of problems is treated: The local ion balance at a point; the boundary conditions near the anode; and the overall conditions for ignition of a discharge in crossed E and B fields. In most problems in practice the maximum energy of the ions that are created is identified with the total potential applied to the discharge. A comparison is made with experiments. 8 refs., 4 figs