Abstract
Emission from surfaces is known to cause enhanced wall heating and enhanced energy loss from plasma electrons. When E x B fields are present, emitted electrons are heated by the drift motion and cause enhanced transport along E. All emission effects are normally predicted to reach a maximum when the sheath becomes space-charge limited because any 'additional' emitted electrons return to the wall. But the returning electrons are also heated in the E x B drift, further enhancing transport, and return to the wall with extra energy, further enhancing the energy flux. Returning electrons can gain enough energy to induce secondaries, thereby self-amplifying to higher intensities. This newly analyzed mechanism could affect the wall heating, transport and global energy balance under certain conditions. Theory and simulations are presented.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Article number | 034010 |
Journal | Plasma Sources Science and Technology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1 2015 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- electron emission
- sheaths
- simulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics