Effect of metastable neon atoms in a positive column of glow discharge with dust particles

• Published in: Plasma sources science & technology 2014-12, Vol.23 (6), p.65008-7
• Main Authors: Shumova, V V, Polyakov, D N, Vasilyak, L M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Concentration (composition); Diffusion; diffusion/drift model; Discharge; Dust; dusty plasma; Glow discharges; Mathematical models; Metastable atoms; Neon; plasma-particle interactions; Positive columns; step-wise ionization
• ISSN: 0963-0252; 1361-6595
• DOI: 10.1088/0963-0252/23/6/065008

The diffusion/drift model of the positive column of glow discharge in neon was used for the analysis of the role of neon metastable atoms in the interaction between neon plasma and dust particles. The radial profiles of electrons and metastable atoms were simulated in the typical range of neon pressure and discharge current where dust particles may form dense dust structures changing the plasma properties. The results showed the nonlocal effect of dust particles on the plasma composition. Within the dust structure, the metastable atom concentration was shown to be higher than in the discharge without dust particles at the same discharge parameters; the ratio of concentrations of metastable atoms and electrons may increase with increasing dust particle concentration in a certain range of discharge parameters. The partial contribution of metastable atoms to the ionization was found to be higher than their losses on the surface of dust particles and increased when the gas pressure was increased.