Simple model of reduced electric field in ambipolar regime of dc discharge positive column in hydrogen

We studied the positive column of the dc discharge through analytical modeling. We considered the ambipolar regime when the balance of charged particles is determined only by direct ionization of molecules by electrons and ambipolar escape of them to the discharge chamber walls. The approximation chosen permitted us to solve the balance equation and to obtain simple formulas for the reduced electric field. Our calculation data for the positive column in hydrogen agree well with experimental and theoretical data of other authors.