Spatial electron density distribution in a high-power pulsed magnetron discharge

The spatial electron density distribution was measured as function of time in a high-power pulsed magnetron discharge. A Langmuir probe was positioned in various positions below the target and the electron density was mapped out. We recorded peak electron densities exceeding 10(19) m(-3) in a close vicinity of the target. The dynamics of the discharge showed a dense plasma expanding from the race-track axially into the vacuum chamber. We also record electrons trapped in a magnetic bottle where the magnetron magnetic field is zero, formed due to the unbalanced magnetron.