Presence of Space Charge Fields

Abstract

This chapter deals with different aspects of electron kinetics when, besides the applied external field, a space-charge electric field also exists. Thus, this chapter includes: (i) The diffusion of electrons under the presence of a space-charge field, with one or several positive ions, and including the presence an external magnetic field; (ii) The Boltzmann equation for a discharge when a space-charge field created by a negatively charged wall with respect to the plasma is considered; (iii) The determination of maintenance field of a microwave discharge; (iv) The afterglow of a microwave discharge; (v) The analysis of non-local effects created by radial space-charge fields in a discharge.