Analytical approaches to glow discharge problems

Combined experimental, numerical and analytical approaches are presented to address actual problems of glow discharge physics. Such a synthesis is able to clarify relatively simple, qualitative, self-consistent phenomena, and should allow improvement of the existing paradigms and/or formulation of novel approaches. The following illustrative examples are discussed: (1) Linear and non-linear diffusion in multispecies, currentless and current-carrying low-temperature plasmas. Both ambipolar diffusion and ambipolar mobility are considered. (2) Non-local electron kinetics in radio frequency and direct current glows. (3) Structures of the cathode and anode regions in direct current glows.