On the non-local electron kinetics in spatially periodic striation-like fields

Abstract

The fundamental questions of the formation of the electron distribution function are investigated by numerically solving the Boltzmann kinetic equation in sinusoidal modulated fields for two limiting cases; domination of either elastic or inelastic energy loss in the electron energy balance. The role of non-local effects is demonstrated in the formation of both the distribution function and macroscopic properties, such as electron density and average energy, excitation and ionization rates. The phase shifts of these parameters are considered, which are responsible for the propagation of the ionization wave. Stratification mechanisms differ considerably for these two cases and are determined by the peculiarities of the electron non-local kinetics, whereas the fluid models of striations are inapplicable. Precise calculations are carried out for a discharge in neon for two cases observed in real experiments at low and intermediate pressures and small currents.

A self-consistent kinetic model of the effect of striation of low-pressure discharges in inert gases

“…(5) The expression (6) relates the isotropic and anisotropic parts of EEDF. The region of solution and boundary conditions for Eq.…”

“…The use of this method made it possible to treat the EDF and the appropriate macroscopic parameters of electrons in the preassigned spatial distribution of electric field, as well as to take into account the effect of nonuniformities of the electric field on the formation of EDF. Similar numerical schemes with some alterations were used in other studies [6][7][8] of the relaxation of EDF in inert gases in a constant electric field following the introduction of some perturbation of the field at the beginning of PC or of electron relaxation in sinusoidal ("striation-like") electric fields. Given a proper choice of the spatial period of preassigned electric field, the scale of electron energy relaxation was determined, and the kinetic mechanism of periodic distribution of macroscopic parameters of plasma electrons was described.…”

The mechanism of striation formation in plasma display panels

“…Although at pressures above a few Torrs nonlocal effects are typically negligible due to a large number of elastic collisions, 14 nonlocal electron kinetics are found to be partially responsible for the formation of striations in PDP cells even at pressures close to atmospheric pressure. It is the combined effect of surface charges and nonlocal electron kinetics that results in the striation formation.…”

“…3 Phenomena due to nonlocal electron kinetics, however, are typically observed at pressures much lower than those employed in plasma display panels ͑PDPs͒. [3][4][5][6] Given the small dimensions of a PDP cell and the short life of the discharge, experimental diagnostics are challenging. For this reason, computer simulation has emerged as an important tool for studying PDP cells.…”

Non-local electron kinetics and densities of excited atoms in S- and P-striations

“…ried out in papers [4,5]. The real field of S-and P-striations considerably differs from the sinusoidally modulated one.…”