Theory of a spheroidal probe in low-density continuum plasmas

Journal Article · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.863885· OSTI ID:5156190

Kamitsuma, M; Teii, S

A spheroidal probe theory for a low-density continuum plasma, i.e., one where the electron density is N/sub e/ < or approx. =10/sup 8/ cm/sup -3/ and the gas pressure is P> or approx. =1 Torr has been developed using a spheroidal coordinate system in order to properly take into account the effect of the finite length of the probe. The numerical results of both the electron- and the ion-current characteristics are obtained for various values of R/sub p//lambda/sub D/ ranging from 0 to 1, epsilon = T/sub i//T/sub e/ from 0.1 to 1, and C/sub p/ = L/sub p//2R/sub p/ from 1 to 100, where lambda/sub D/ is the Debye length, R/sub p/ and L/sub p/ are the probe radius and the probe length, T/sub i/ and T/sub e/ are the ion and the electron temperature, respectively. Using these results, new methods to determine the electron temperature and the plasma space potential (consequently, the electron density) by practical measurements are also proposed and discussed.

• Research Organization: Department of Electrical Engineering, Musashi Institute of Technology, Tamazutsumi, Setagaya-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
• OSTI ID: 5156190
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 25:7; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700102* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Diagnostics
COORDINATES
DATA
ELECTRON DENSITY
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ELECTROSTATIC PROBES
INFORMATION
ION TEMPERATURE
LOW PRESSURE
NUMERICAL DATA
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PROBES
SPHEROIDS