Streamer propagation in magnetic field

Abstract

The propagation of a streamer near an insulating surface under the influence of a transverse magnetic field is theoretically investigated. In the weak magnetic field limit it is shown that the trajectory of the streamer has a circular form with a radius that is much larger than the cyclotron radius of an electron. The charge distribution within the streamer head is strongly polarized by the Lorentz force exerted perpendicualr to the streamer velocity. A critical magnetic field for the branching of a streamer is estimated. Our results are in good agreement with available experimental data.

11pages, RevTex, no figures