Transient phenomena during dense argon micro-plasma formation

We report on transient generation of highly ionized (ionization degree similar to 10%) argon microplasma using a self-consistent fluid plasma model coupled with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The plasma is generated within a micrometer size cathode spot immediately after the onset of intense secondary electron emission from the cathode and exists over a relatively short duration of similar to 10 ns. We observe the electron pressure within this microplasma exceeding the background gas pressure by a few times and discuss the mechanisms of the energy transfer from this plasma to the heavy species. The localized gas heating generates a compression wave that propagates from the cathode to the anode.

Automated summary

We present a study on the transient generation of highly ionized argon microplasma using a self-consistent fluid plasma model coupled with the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The plasma is formed within a micrometer-sized cathode spot immediately after intense secondary electron emission from the cathode, and it exists for approximately 10 ns. The electron pressure within the microplasma exceeds the background gas pressure by several times, and the mechanisms of energy transfer from the plasma to heavy species are discussed. A compression wave generated by localized gas heating propagates from the cathode to the anode.