Influence of electron collisions inside the cathode sheath upon the electron energy spectrum in the negative glow region of a gas discharge

Influence of electron collisions inside the cathode sheath upon the electron energy spectrum in the negative glow region of a gas discharge

Shi, B. ; Fetzer, Gregory J. ; Yu, Zengqi ; Meyer, Jack D. ; Collins, George J.

"This work was supported by the National Science Foundation. Quantum Electronics Waves and Beams (ECS-881505I, Dr. L. Goldberg) and the Naval Research Laboratory."

Computer models have been developed to solve the Boltzmann equation for the electron energy spectrum in both the cathode sheath and the negative glow region of a glow discharge. Electron collisions occurring during acceleration inside the cathode sheath partially determine the structure of the electron energy distribution measured in the negative glow. The relative role of elastic, excitation, and ionization collisions are examined using the computer model. Good qualitative agreement was obtained between calculated electron energy distributions and previous experimental measurements both at the sheath-plasma interface as well as in the negative glow region of the discharge.

Colorado State University. Libraries

1989

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ECEgjc00005.pdf

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English

c1989, IEEE