Is the negative glow plasma of a direct current glow discharge negatively charged?

Abstract

A classic problem in gas discharge physics is discussed: what is the sign of charge density in the negative glow region of a glow discharge? It is shown that traditional interpretations in text-books on gas discharge physics that states a negative charge of the negative glow plasma are based on analogies with a simple one-dimensional model of discharge. Because the real glow discharges with a positive column are always two-dimensional, the transversal (radial) term in divergence with the electric field can provide a non-monotonic axial profile of charge density in the plasma, while maintaining a positive sign. The numerical calculation of glow discharge is presented, showing a positive space charge in the negative glow under conditions, where a one-dimensional model of the discharge would predict a negative space charge.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2015
Source ID
10.1063/1.4907192

Entities

People

  • A. A. Kudryavtsev
  • A. И. Сайфутдинов
  • E. A. Bogdanov
  • Vladimir I. Demidov

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory
  • Saint Petersburg State University
  • Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics
  • West Virginia University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Electrochemical Surface Science
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster