Published June 2005 | Version v1
Journal article Metadata-only

Exact orbital motion theory of the shielding potential around an emitting, spherical body

Creators

  • 1. Plasma Theory Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)
  • 2. GoLP/Centro de Fisica dos Plasmas, Istituto Superior Tecnico, Avenida Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon (Portugal) and ISCAT, V. S. Pellico 19, 12037, Saluzzo (Italy)
  • 3. Burning Plasma Research Group, Dipartimento di Energetica, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin (Italy)

Description

A kinetic theory for the equilibrium of an unmagnetized plasma consisting of electrons and ions surrounding a spherical body emitting electrons (due to thermionic emission, photoemission, or secondary emission) is presented. The theory is valid for positively charged bodies, neglects collisions of the plasma particles, and is formulated for profiles of the shielding potential presenting an attractive well. Particle-in-cell simulations are shown to be in good agreement with the theory. An approximated criterion is derived to determine the presence of the potential well

Additional details

Identifiers

DOI
10.1063/1.1914546;

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Physics of Plasmas
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
6
Journal Page Range
p. 062102-062102.18
ISSN
1070-664X
CODEN
PHPAEN

INIS

Country of Publication
United States
Country of Input or Organization
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
INIS RN
37070315
Subject category
S70: PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY;
Descriptors DEI
ELECTRON EMISSION; PHOTOEMISSION; PLASMA; PLASMA SIMULATION; THERMIONIC EMISSION
Descriptors DEC
EMISSION; SECONDARY EMISSION; SIMULATION

Optional Information

Notes
(c) 2005 American Institute of Physics