A theoretical study of energy transfer at a negative electrostatic probe

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The energy transfer from positive ions and electrons around a negative probe immersed in a plasma is analysed semi-theoretically. Probe theory is used to establish the spatial profiles of electrical field and charged particle number densities. Energy transfers from ions and electrons accelerated to, and away from, the probe are analysed. By these means the gas heating of neutral molecules is computed, as well as the temperature profiles around the probe. At a sufficiently high potential the surrounding gas is heated appreciably, and the energy transfer to the probe surface is enhanced. The principal contribution to the latter is from the heated surrounding gas, rather than from the energetic ions striking the surface.