Theory of the hollow cathode arc

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · J. Appl. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.325126· OSTI ID:6891546

Ferreira, C M; Delcroix, J L

A theory of the hollow cathode arc is given which explains the physical mechanisms of operation of these discharges. The following basic phenomena are studied: the gas flow inside the cathode; the formation of the internal plasma column by ionization of the neutral gas by the primary electrons emitted by the cathode, which are accelerated in the cathode sheath; the transport of the ions towards the cathode wall; the transport of current and of kinetic energy towards the exit of the cathode, by the Maxwellian electrons of the plasma; and, finally, the thermal equilibrium of the cathode wall. This theory gives the axial variation of the gas pressure and wall temperature, the electron temperature, the mean number of excitations and of ionizations produced per primary electron, and the radial and the axial variation of the plasma density and plasma potential. The field-enhanced thermionic effect constitutes the basic emission mechanism of the cathode, the wall being heated mainly by ion bombardment. Theoretical results for discharges in argon with a tantalum cathode are in excellent agreement with all the available experimental results.

• Research Organization: Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas, Universite de Paris-Sud, Centre d'Orsay, 91405 Orsay, France
• OSTI ID: 6891546
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Phys.; (United States) Vol. 49:4; ISSN JAPIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700106* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Plasma Production-- (-1987)
ARGON
CATHODES
COLLISIONS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC ARCS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRODES
ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
ELEMENTS
EMISSION
ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS
EXCITATION
FLUID FLOW
GAS FLOW
HOLLOW CATHODES
IONIZATION
METALS
NONMETALS
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA PRODUCTION
RARE GASES
REFRACTORY METALS
TANTALUM
THERMIONIC EMISSION
TRANSITION ELEMENTS