Plasma density distribution and its perturbation by probes in axially symmetrical plasma

Abstract

An analysis of plasma density distributions at arbitrary ion–atom collisionality for one-dimensional axially symmetrical cylindrical and annular plasmas is presented. Perturbations of plasma densities caused by a cylindrical probe are studied for arbitrary ion–atom collisionality. Analytical expressions for the plasma characteristics near the probe for low collisionality have been obtained. The plasma was modeled by the hydrodynamic neutral plasma equations, taking into account ionization, ion inertia, and a non-linear ion frictional force, which dominates the plasma transport at low gas pressures. Significant plasma density depletion around the probe has been observed for a wide range of ion–atom collisionality. The presented results predict underestimation of plasma density obtained from the classical Langmuir probe procedure and should provide a better understanding of electrostatic, magnetic, and microwave probes inserted into plasmas at low gas pressure.