Kinetic Simulation of Narrow Gap Discharge

There have been numerous studies attempting to understand the mechanism of the discharge breakdown in a narrow gap [1] while the understanding of the phenomena has been limited due to overlooking the complex environment of plasma generation (e.g., detailed chamber structures and gradients of plasma parameters). To precisely understand the narrow gap breakdown, multi-dimensional kinetic simulations have been performed. In this collaborative study, we present the effect of sophisticated variables such as background plasma density, discharge geometry, and external magnetic field on the narrow gap breakdown. Specifically, a significant decrease in the gap breakdown voltage in the presence of background plasma has been reported. The role of background plasma on the undervoltage breakdown is investigated through PIC-MCC simulations using the EDIPIC-2D code [2]. The detailed mechanism of the narrow gap breakdown in these complex conditions and solutions to prevent unexpected discharge will be discussed.

[1] J. Y. Kim, I. D. Kaganovich, H.-C. Lee, Review of the gas breakdown physics and nanomaterial-based ionization gas sensors and their applications. Plasma Sources Science and Technology, 31 033001 2022

[2] D. Y. Sydorenko, Particle-in-cell simulations of electron dynamics in low pressure discharges with magnetic fields. Ph.D. thesis (University of Saskatchewan, 2006)