Gas discharges in planar, low-pressure thermionic diodes. II. Plasma regime

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.326218· OSTI ID:6192189

Bromberg, L; Smullin, L D

The theory and experiment of a one-dimensional low-pressure discharge is presented. The discharge current is provided by a thermionic cathode that operates space-charge limited. The primary electrons ionize the background gas and also heat the plasma electrons. The plasma characteristics (plasma density, electron temperature, and ion current density) and the discharge current are computed as functions of the discharge voltage and the neutral pressure. The model is self-consistent and requires no experimentally determined parameters.

• Research Organization: Plasma Fusion Center and Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
• OSTI ID: 6192189
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 50:4; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
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70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
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CURRENT DENSITY
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
IONIZATION
NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
ONE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA DIAGNOSTICS
PLASMA SIMULATION
THERMIONIC EMITTERS