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

Journal Article · Sun Feb 15 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4907192· OSTI ID:22408165

Bogdanov, E. A.; Saifutdinov, A. I. ^[1]; Kudryavtsev, A. A. ^[1]

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1. Faculty of Physics, St. Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg (Russian Federation)

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.

• OSTI ID: 22408165
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 22, Issue 2; Other Information: (c) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CHARGE DENSITY
DIRECT CURRENT
ELECTRIC FIELDS
GLOW DISCHARGES
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PLASMA
POSITIVE COLUMN
SPACE CHARGE
TWO-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS