Plasma kinetics in inert gas filled thermionic devices

Boris Pivtorak, Mikhail N. Shneider, Richard B. Miles, Sergey O. Macheret

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drift-diffusion and Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations of weakly ionized plasmas in novel thermionic devices filled with low-pressure inert gases are performed. The plasma is created by repetitive nanosecoznd pulses and is allowed to decay between the pulses. Modeling indicates that the negative space charge created by electron emission helps in trapping ions in the plasma. This trapping and the low bulk recombination rate result in a relatively long plasma lifetime. Thus, ionizing pulses with relatively low repetition rate and power budget can sustain a plasma which would allow collection of a substantial portion of the thermionically emitted current.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
Pages16089-16101
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)1563478900, 9781563478901
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Event45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting 2007 - Reno, NV, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2007Jan 11 2007

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting
Volume23

Other

Other45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityReno, NV
Period1/8/071/11/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Aerospace Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Plasma kinetics in inert gas filled thermionic devices'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this