Abstract
The dynamic response of a 1-dimensional plasma diode to an applied step voltage is studied during a few electron transit times by numerical simulations when the initial state has an ion density minimum (an ion density cavity). Depending on the cavity depth and the applied voltage the potential drop distributes over the cavity or concentrates in a “cathode” sheath. The transistion between the two states as well as the cavity potential profiles are predicted by an analytical model. Simulations with periodic cavities as initial state show that the applied voltage can be shared between the cavities. A double layer, steady on the ion time scale, is created by introducing a steady cavity by ion losses.
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© 1994 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
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Bohm, M., Torven, S. (1994). Studies of Anomalous Potential Drops Due to Ion Density Inhomogeneities. In: Van den Oord, G.H.J. (eds) Fragmented Energy Release in Sun and Stars. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1014-3_20
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-1014-3_20
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-4441-7
Online ISBN: 978-94-011-1014-3
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