Two-dimensional hybrid model for a glow discharge: comparison with fluid and kinetic (particle) models, reliability and accuracy

We developed and tested a two-dimensional Monte Carlo – fluid hybrid numerical code for the DC glow discharge simulations. The model is based on the separation of electrons into two parts, namely, the low energetic (slow) and high energetic (fast) groups. Ions and slow electrons are described within the fluid model using the drift-diffusion approximation for particle fluxes. Electrostatic field is obtained from the solution of Poisson equation. Fast electrons, represented by the appropriate number of super particles emitted from the cathode, are responsible for ionization processes in the discharge volume. Test calculations were carried out for the argon plasma. The vortex current formation in a DC discharge is observed in the case of rectangular geometry