Modeling of Ionization Waves in Atmospheric-Pressure Argon in a Long Gap

Numerical simulation of the development of ionization waves--streamers--in pure argon at atmospheric pressure in a plane-parallel gap has been performed. The velocities and plasma parameters of cathode- and anode-directed ionization waves are obtained, and the streamer dynamics and structure are analyzed. The effects of variation of the background density of charged species are considered. The roles of various ionization mechanisms (the direct and stepwise ionization, and the Penning reaction) during streamer formation and propagation are revealed.

Automated summary

Numerical simulation has been conducted to study the development of ionization waves in pure argon at atmospheric pressure. The velocities and plasma parameters of cathode- and anode-directed ionization waves are obtained, and the dynamics and structure of the streamers are analyzed. The effects of variation in the background density of charged species are considered, and the roles of different ionization mechanisms during streamer formation and propagation are revealed.