Propagation characteristics of wave packet in non-uniform magnetic fields

Experimental observations on a wave packet in a positive column of helium discharge with magnetic fields are reported. The wave packet is a kind of ionization wave and is created by applying voltage pulses to a mesh grid. When an axial non-uniform magnetic field is applied to a positive column, the plasma parameters change inhomogeneously near the magnetic coil. So various characteristics (amplitude, frequency, wavelength and so on) of the wave packet are changed at the both sides of the coil. The wavelength of the wave making up the wave packet varies continuously with a magnetic field. On the contrary, its amplitude and frequency vary remarkable near the magnetic coil, as a strong magnetic field is applied. (orig.)