Simulation of sheath and presheath dynamics in PIII

Using the well-known one-dimensional particle-in-cell computer simulation algorithm, we have studied the response of the sheath and presheath on the sudden negative charging of a planar electrode. In contrast to previous investigations, we started from an equilibrium sheath structure, rather than from a homogeneous plasma. We obtained an improved description of the ion current density on the wall, the matrix sheath expansion and its dynamics.