Title :
Reply to comments on "On asymptotic matching and the sheath Edge"
Author :
Sternberg, Natalia ; Godyak, Valery
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Math. & Comput. Sci., Clark Univ., Worcester, MA, USA
Abstract :
In our recent paper [Sternberg and Godyak (2004)], we have solved the plasma-sheath problem using asymptotic matching techniques. We have shown that the position of the sheath edge obtained by asymptotic matching yields the position of the ion sheath edge determined by Godyak´s condition (E=kTe/(eλD1)) [Godyak (1982)]. In addition, we were able to show how the sheath width depends on the voltage applied to the wall. Our results are theoretical, grounded in mathematics. We used numerical computations mainly to illustrate our point. We have written our paper with great care, so that any scientist, even one not familiar with the intricacies of asymptotic matching, could understand our exposition and be convinced in the correctness of our results. Kaganovich (2004) reproduced our theoretical results numerically up to ε=10-11. Franklin (2004) published a review adapting our results and interpretations. However, we were not able to convince Riemann, although he reproduced some of our results numerically [Riemann (2004)]. This paper is a response to Riemann´s comments [Riemann (2004)].
Keywords :
plasma boundary layers; plasma sheaths; Godyak condition; asymptotic matching; ion sheath edge; plasma-sheath problem; sheath width; Acceleration; Electrons; Ionization; Mathematics; Physics; Plasma accelerators; Plasma sheaths; Poisson equations; Space charge; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Plasma Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TPS.2004.838590