Influence of Xe2+ ions on the micro-hollow cathode discharge driven by thermionic emission

The influence of Xe-2(+) dimer ions and excited Xe* atoms on the hollow cathode discharge driven by electron thermionic emission is studied using two-dimensional Particle-in-Cell Monte Carlo Collisions modeling. A comparison with the results of two-component (electrons and Xe+ ions) plasma modeling showed that the presence of the Xe-2(+) dimer ions and excited Xe* atoms in the plasma affects the plasma parameters (density, potential, and ion fluxes toward the cathode). The influence of Xe-2(+) ions and Xe* atoms on the plasma sheath parameters, such as thickness and the ion velocity at the sheath edge, is analyzed. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.