The onset of plasma potential locking
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (United States)
In this paper, we provide insight into the role and impact that a positively biased electrode (anode) has on bulk plasma potential. Using two-dimensional Particle-in-Cell simulations, we investigate the plasma potential as an anode transitions from very small (“probe” mode) to large (“locking” mode). Prior theory provides some guidance on when and how this transition takes place. Initial experimental results are also compared. The simulations demonstrate that as the surface area of the anode is increased transitions in plasma potential and sheath polarity occur, consistent with experimental observations and theoretical predictions. It is expected that understanding this basic plasma behavior will be of interest to basic plasma physics communities, diagnostic developers, and plasma processing devices where control of bulk plasma potential is important.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000; AC04-94SL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 1327907
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1420679
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-2016-9434J; PHPAEN; 647634
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 23, Issue 6; ISSN 1070-664X
- Publisher:
- American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
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journal | January 2017 |
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