The onset of plasma potential locking

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)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics of plasmas 2016-06, Vol.23 (6)
Main Authors: Hopkins, Matthew M., Yee, Benjamin T., Baalrud, Scott D., Barnat, Edward V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
Anodes
computational models
Diagnostic systems
dielectrics
Particle in cell technique
Plasma
plasma diagnostics
Plasma physics
Plasma processing
plasma sheaths
Polarity
Sheaths
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1070-664X
1089-7674
DOI:10.1063/1.4953896