DISTRIBUTION OF 0.2...4.5 keV PLASMA IONS IN SET OF U-2M DISCHARGES

Charge exchange (CX) neutral fluxes were measured by neutral particle analyzer (NPA) in plasma discharges sustained by the W7-X-like radio frequency (RF) antenna in the Uragan-2M (U-2M) stellarator. CX fluxes in pure hydrogen discharge (B0 = 0.36 T, f = 4.926 MHz) in stellarator configuration (effective perpendicular ion temperature TꞱ ≈ 450 eV) is less energetic in comparison with U-2M hybrid configuration (TꞱ ≈ 800 eV). RF discharge in stellarator configuration with helium and hydrogen mixture (B0 = 0.351 T; f = 5.156 MHz, P = 6·10-4Torr) shows more energetic CX fluxes (TꞱ ≈ 1 keV). The ion cyclotron frequency distribution across the U-2M plasma has been studied numerically. These calculations are accompanied by direct measurement of the RF frequency by magnetic sensor. The ion cyclotron frequency is present in plasma bulk of all discharges under consideration.

Statistical Uncertainties of Space Plasma Properties Described by Kappa Distributions

The velocities of space plasma particles often follow kappa distribution functions, which have characteristic high energy tails. The tails of these distributions are associated with low particle flux and, therefore, it is challenging to precisely resolve them in plasma measurements. On the other hand, the accurate determination of kappa distribution functions within a broad range of energies is crucial for the understanding of physical mechanisms. Standard analyses of the plasma observations determine the plasma bulk parameters from the statistical moments of the underlined distribution. It is important, however, to also quantify the uncertainties of the derived plasma bulk parameters, which determine the confidence level of scientific conclusions. We investigate the determination of the plasma bulk parameters from observations by an ideal electrostatic analyzer. We derive simple formulas to estimate the statistical uncertainties of the calculated bulk parameters. We then use the forward modelling method to simulate plasma observations by a typical top-hat electrostatic analyzer. We analyze the simulated observations in order to derive the plasma bulk parameters and their uncertainties. Our simulations validate our simplified formulas. We further examine the statistical errors of the plasma bulk parameters for several shapes of the plasma velocity distribution function.

On the Determination of Kappa Distribution Functions from Space Plasma Observations

The velocities of space plasma particles, often follow kappa distribution functions. The kappa index, which labels and governs these distributions, is an important parameter in understanding the plasma dynamics. Space science missions often carry plasma instruments on board which observe the plasma particles and construct their velocity distribution functions. A proper analysis of the velocity distribution functions derives the plasma bulk parameters, such as the plasma density, speed, temperature, and kappa index. Commonly, the plasma bulk density, velocity, and temperature are determined from the velocity moments of the observed distribution function. Interestingly, recent studies demonstrated the calculation of the kappa index from the speed (kinetic energy) moments of the distribution function. Such a novel calculation could be very useful in future analyses and applications. This study examines the accuracy of the specific method using synthetic plasma proton observations by a typical electrostatic analyzer. We analyze the modeled observations in order to derive the plasma bulk parameters, which we compare with the parameters we used to model the observations in the first place. Through this comparison, we quantify the systematic and statistical errors in the derived moments, and we discuss their possible sources.

Simultaneous existence of stochastic and ohmic heating in capacitive discharges

A one-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo (PIC/MCC) model of low-pressure capacitive discharges with a large discharge gap is presented in the paper. The results from the model are for the dependence of the plasma parameters on the pressure and on the discharge radius. The study is directed to the heating mechanisms in the discharge. It is shown that the ohmic (Joule) heating in the plasma bulk could act simultaneously with the stochastic heating in the region of the plasma–sheath boundary. In confirmation of the results of the model, experimental results showing qualitatively the same behaviour are presented.

The Influence of Secondary Electron Emission and Electron Reflection on a Capacitively Coupled Oxygen Discharge

The one-dimensional object-oriented particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision code oopd1 is applied to explore the role of secondary electron emission and electron reflection on the properties of the capacitively-coupled oxygen discharge. At low pressure (10 mTorr), drift-ambipolar heating of the electrons dominates within the plasma bulk, while at higher pressure (50 mTorr), stochastic electron heating in the sheath region dominates. Electron reflection has negligible influence on the electron energy probability function and only a slight influence on the electron heating profile and electron density. Including ion-induced secondary electron emission in the discharge model introduces a high energy tail to the electron energy probability function, enhances the electron density, lowers the electronegativity, and increases the effective electron temperature in the plasma bulk.

Oxygen plasmas: a sharp chisel and handy trowel for nanofabrication

Oxygen plasmas feature certain properties that make them attractive not only for material removal via etching and sputtering, but also for driving and sustaining nucleation and growth of various nanostructures in plasma bulk and on plasma-exposed surfaces.