Computer experiments on the formation and dynamics of electric double layers (in plasma)

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Abstract
Electric double layers provide a mechanism for the acceleration of particles. The results of computer simulations of double layers are presented. Simulations are carried out for the case of two interpenetrating plasmas with different plasma potentials. It is found that when the two plasmas satisfy the Langmuir condition for the existence of a double layer, stable double layers eventually form. During formation the initial constant electric field evolved in a solitary electric pulse of a constant shape. This pulse makes few oscillations before it becomes stationary. Scaling laws giving the dependence of the amplitude and width of the electric pulse on the potential difference between the two plasmas are given. When the Langmuir condition is not satisfied the double layer forms very swiftly and beam-plasma interactions on the high potential side of the layer cause strong instabilities, giving rise to strong RF fields which create an additional double layer through the action of a ponderomotive force.

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