Sheath transitions in a cylindrical filament discharge: Axisymmetric 1D3V PIC-MCC simulations

Sengupta, M.; Campanell, M.

doi:10.1063/5.0253368

Sheath transitions in a cylindrical filament discharge: Axisymmetric 1D3V PIC-MCC simulations

Journal Article · Fri May 02 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Journal of Applied Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0253368· OSTI ID:2564283

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

We present the first nonplanar hot cathode discharge simulations that capture the role of the trapped-ions plasma, elucidating new phenomena unobservable in planar geometric discharges. A discharge struck between a single emitting wire filament cathode and a bounding anode is simulated in cylindrical geometry using an axisymmetric (radial) particle-in-cell Monte-Carlo collisions code. Operating the discharge near its ionization energy threshold can lead to the formation of a two plasma mode (TPM). One plasma forms in the conventional upstream region through electron impact ionization of background neutrals. A second plasma, whose global effect on the discharge was not previously well understood, forms downstream through the trapping of cold ions in the potential well of the filament’s virtual cathode, a process enabled by ion-neutral charge exchange collisions. Three space charge regions intersperse the electrode gap—an emissive sheath between the cathode filament and trapped-ions plasma, a double layer between the two plasmas, and a classical sheath between the upstream plasma and the outer anode. Simulations exhibit mode transitions and quenching instabilities that transform the discharge between the TPM and other single-plasma sheath modes that include classical (temperature-limited), space charge limited, and inverse (anode glow) modes. The transitions are explained via “aid-and-compete” dynamics wherein the growth of one plasma enhances growth in the other while concurrently exhibiting expansion dynamics antagonistic to each other. The system exhibits strong hysteresis memory during the mode transitions. Improved understanding and control of these sheath mode transitions are expected to benefit plasma applications with hot cathodes.

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Research Organization:: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC); USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 2564283

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2571733

Report Number(s):: LLNL--JRNL-864665

Journal Information:: Journal of Applied Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics Journal Issue: 17 Vol. 137; ISSN 0021-8979; ISSN 1089-7550

Publisher:: American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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