“Anomalous” collisionality in low-pressure plasmas

Journal Article · Sun Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4859155· OSTI ID:22218395

Lafleur, T.; Chabert, P.; Booth, J. P. ^[1]; Turner, M. M. ^[2]

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1. LPP-CNRS, Ecole Polytechnique, 91128 Palaiseau (France)
2. School of Physical Sciences and National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9 (Ireland)

Based on a theoretical argument from fundamental kinetic theory, by way of simple worked examples, and through the use of particle-in-cell simulations of capacitively coupled plasmas, we demonstrate that conventional methods for calculating the momentum transfer collision frequency in low-pressure plasmas can be seriously erroneous. This potentially plays an important and previously unconsidered role in many low-pressure discharges, and at least in part provides a possible explanation for anomalous behaviour often encountered in these plasmas.

• OSTI ID: 22218395
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Vol. 20, Issue 12; Other Information: (c) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRON-ION COLLISIONS
MOMENTUM TRANSFER
PLASMA
PLASMA POTENTIAL
PLASMA PRESSURE
PLASMA SIMULATION