A theoretical model for sheath dynamics in the two-plasma mode of a cylindrical filament discharge

Sengupta, M.; Campanell, M.

doi:10.1063/5.0256867

A theoretical model for sheath dynamics in the two-plasma mode of a cylindrical filament discharge

Journal Article · Mon Jun 02 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0256867· OSTI ID:2572308

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

We present a refined understanding of cylindrical plasma-facing emitter cathodes by examining the limitations of the conventional space charge limited model, which overlooks ion trapping dynamics within the virtual cathode. While conventional theory distinguishes between temperature-limited and space charge limited regimes based on electron current constraints, our findings reveal that trapped ions can form a quasi-neutral “second plasma,” expanding upstream and interacting with the primary plasma. In cylindrical and other non-planar geometries, an expanding trapped-ions layer produces current enhancement by converting more of the emitted electron flux to passing flux. The current enhancement leads to a complex coupling between the trapped-ions plasma and upstream plasma through ionizing collisions in the upstream region and charge exchange collisions in the virtual cathode. The coupling results in mutual density enhancement and at the same time, antagonistic expansion dynamics between the two plasma layers. The process is understood using a new “aid-compete” model. Numerical solutions, validated against simulations, reveal the model's capacity to predict system evolution and complex discharge behaviors, albeit with qualitative approximations.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

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

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC52-07NA27344

OSTI ID:: 2572308

Report Number(s):: LLNL--JRNL-864667

Journal Information:: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 32; ISSN 1070-664X; ISSN 1089-7674

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

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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A theoretical model for sheath dynamics in the two-plasma mode of a cylindrical filament discharge

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