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Modeling of Mode Transition Behavior in Argon Microhollow Cathode Discharges
Author(s) -
Deconinck Thomas,
Raja Laxminarayan L.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
plasma processes and polymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1612-8869
pISSN - 1612-8850
DOI - 10.1002/ppap.200800144
Subject(s) - cathode , plasma , electric field , relaxation (psychology) , argon , transient (computer programming) , electric discharge , atomic physics , electron , mechanics , current (fluid) , electric discharge in gases , chemistry , materials science , physics , thermodynamics , electrode , psychology , social psychology , quantum mechanics , computer science , operating system
A self‐consistent, non‐equilibrium plasma discharge model is used to describe physical mechanisms and understand different operating regimes of a MHCD. The model includes a surface‐electric‐field dependent secondary electron coefficient description which is essential for the prediction of the different regimes of MHCD operation. At low current (<0.1 mA), the plasma is confined within the cylindrical hollow region of the discharge. At currents above a certain threshold, the discharge expands over the outer flat surface of the cathode. Transient relaxation oscillations (self‐pulsing) of the discharge properties are predicted by the model for intermediate discharge currents ranging from about 0.1 to 0.3 mA.