On the stability of radio-frequency discharge

The transition from weak to heavy current discharge in the cross-section of radio frequency helium discharge is numerically investigated. It is found the lowest possible voltage, so that this transition takes place. It is established a possible rise of a pre-gap of the discharge on a line, non coinciding with the minimum distance between the electrodes. The obtained results are in good agreement with the existing experimental data. The method is applied and investigations are made for constructive engineering solutions, influenced on the break-through process.