The role of ion currents in the formation of space charge sheaths in a low pressure arc
It is shown that conditions leading to the establishment of a space charge sheath in the positive column of low pressure arcs provide for a minimal requirement in the positive ion current delivered to the sheath. The minimum required current for a given ion is a function of only the electron density and temperature and is independent of the specific mechanism of ion production for the special case of a plane symmetric discharge. These conclusions are used to analyze the Bohm criterion. The effect of magnetic fields and possible plasma instabilities is briefly examined.
- Research Organization:
- EURATOM-C.N.E.N., Rome
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-009542
- OSTI ID:
- 4795832
- Journal Information:
- Nuovo Cimento, Journal Name: Nuovo Cimento Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 22; ISSN 0029-6341
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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