Plasma Probes and the Langmuir Paradox†

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Abstract
Experiments show that in a low pressure plasma the apparent electron temperature inferred from Langmuir probe measurements is not a direct index of tho mean electron energy within the plasma. Electrons undergo energy transfer through radio-frequency interactions in the probe Bheath and in the sheaths on the plasma boundary. Consequently the apparent electron temperature depends on the resonant properties of the sheaths and on the geometry of the probe. By altering the resonant properties of a sheath it is possible to change the apparent electron temperature without affecting tho electron energy distribution within the plasma itself.

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