Abstract
We consider steady-state and nonstationary processes in a near-cathode region. Equations describing the plasma dynamics near a cathode at frequencies close to the ion plasma frequency are derived, and solutions of these equations for various zones of a discharge gap are found. A “piecewise-uniform” model of a cathode sheath is developed, which points out the possibility of an instability at a frequency slightly less than the near-cathode ion plasma frequency. The gas pressure effect on the instability threshold with respect to the discharge current is considered. The obtained results are in good agreement with the data of experimental studies of the cathode sheath in a hollow-cathode discharge.
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Kostyukov, I.Y., Fraiman, G.M. Cathode Sheath Instability at Frequencies Near the Ion Plasma Frequency. Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics 46, 873–885 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:RAQE.0000028580.66956.f6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:RAQE.0000028580.66956.f6