PLASMA ELECTRON TEMPERATURE IN A STRONG INHOMOGENEOUS ELECTRIC FIELD,
Abstract
Electron temperature effects occurring when the electrons of a plasma become heated by a strong, inhomogeneous, electric field are studied. Steady state transport equations, based on kinetic theory, which admit elevated, spatially varying, electron temperatures; density gradients; and induced electric fields are constructed for both a weakly ionized and strongly ionized gas in a strong electric field. The physical meaning of these equations is discussed. They are then applied to determine the effect of a prescribed, strong standing wave on an initially homogeneous plasma. Here two modes of behavior are distinguishable. In the low frequency case the electron temperature ''follows'' the field and the electron temperature and electron and ion density show strong spatial dependence. The induced field linking the electrons and ions is relatively strong. In the second high frequency mode the electron temperature establishes itself around some mean value with small spatial perturbations. For this case density gradients and the induced field are negligible. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0422962
Entities
People
- Harry M. Cronson
- Lewis Wetzel
Organizations
- Brown University