Self-consistent description of the dc column plasma including wall interaction

A comprehensive self-consistent description of the column plasma of an inert gas de glow discharge is presented. The description is based on the radially inhomogeneous kinetic treatment of electrons, ions and excited atoms in the plasma and includes the self-consistent determination of the radial space-charge field and the axial heating field. The determination of the axial field becomes possible by the additional consideration of the most important plasma-wall interaction processes and a balance of the electron surface density on the dielectric tube wall. The results of the description are compared with those of Langmuir probe measurements which makes conclusions about the properties of the plasma-wall interaction processes possible. Tt is shown that the wall processes and, hence, the wall properties are of great importance for the establishment of the electric field and the kinetic structure of the plasma components in the column.