Upstream ionization instability associated with a current-free double layer

作者:Aanesland A*; Charles C; Lieberman M A; Boswell R W
来源:Physical Review Letters, 2006, 97(7): 075003.
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.075003

摘要

A low frequency instability has been observed using various electrostatic probes in a low-pressure expanding helicon plasma. The instability is associated with the presence of a current-free double layer (DL). The frequency of the instability increases linearly with the potential drop of the DL, and simultaneous measurements show their coexistence. A theory for an upstream ionization instability has been developed, which shows that electrons accelerated through the DL increase the ionization upstream and are responsible for the observed instability. The theory is in good agreement with the experimental results.

  • 出版日期2006-8-18