This paper reviews the key features of the "open" photoelectric discharge (FED) used for the high-efficiency generation of electron beams (EBs) in medium-pressure gases and for subnanosecond switching of high-voltage pulses. The energy efficiency of EB generation in both FEDs and anomalous discharges is measured and conditions for the predominance of photoemission are formulated. It is concluded that FED is a long-known phenomenon and that the arguments in Usp. Fiz. Nauk 188 1354 (2018) [Physics—Uspekhi 61 (12) (2018)] against its existence are based on simplified discharge models and poorly performed experiments and make use of other authors' results of no direct relevance to the "open" discharge.

Keywords: open discharge, photoemission discharge, anomalous discharge, electron emission, electron beam generation, current—voltage characteristics PACS: 52.80.Tn DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.2018.04.038362 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2018/12/f/ 000459955400006 2-s2.0-85063508994 2018PhyU...61.1241B Citation: Bokhan P A "On physical processes in the "open" discharge" Phys. Usp. 61 1241–1247 (2018) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Received: 31st, October 2017, revised: 20th, April 2018, accepted: 23rd, April 2018 Оригинал: Бохан П А «О физических процессах в "открытом" разряде» УФН 188 1361–1366 (2018); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.2018.04.038362