Influence of emitted electrons transiting between surfaces on plasma-surface interaction

Emitted electrons are accelerated back into the plasma by the sheath. If their mean free path is large, they can propagate directly to another surface without suffering collisions. We analyze the effects of "transit" on plasma-surface interaction. When transit occurs, surfaces exchanging electrons are intricately coupled. All surfaces float more negatively than they would if the emission collisionally remixed with the bulk plasma. Asymmetries of the system drive a net "transit current" between the surfaces, which influences their potential difference. The larger the initial energy spread of the emitted electrons, the larger the potential difference