Particle-In-Cell/Monte Carlo Collisional Simulation of Space Charge Layer Formation and Development in Nitrogen Negative Streamers
摘要
In this paper, the space charge layer formation and development in negative streamers is simulated using a one-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collisional model. The effects of the space charge layer on the negative streamer dis-charge are investigated. The space charge layer reduces the effect of the external field on the discharge. During the streamer propagation, the thickness of the space charge layer decreases; the average electron energy in the plasma is as low as 2 eV, which is proved to be the result of rotational and vibrational excitations; and because of the electric field shielding of the space charge layer, the electron energy distribution shifts toward low energy.