ISSN:
1089-7674
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
The role of energetic electrons in periodic self-oscillations of a discharge plasma has been studied by measuring the spatiotemporal evolution of plasma potential, electron density, and electron velocity distribution function. It is found that the self-oscillation involves the instabilities of sheaths, propagation of a double layer and competition between the ionization, thermalization, and diffusion. The energetic electrons are the key factor which links these processes to form the oscillation cycle. The time interval of each phase in the cycle is estimated according to the physical process and the calculations are in agreement with experimental measurements. The study of the probe perturbation effect on the oscillations indicates that the length of the oscillation period is related to the amount of energetic electrons; the more energetic electrons, the shorter the period. © 2001 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.1406134
