Abstract
The influence of slow ions on the electronic emission of a cathode in a high-pressure electric arc is investigated. As a first approach, a simple model is introduced, where solving the stationary Schrödinger equation is reduced to integrating a one-dimensional second-order differential equation. We have found that the electronic current may be enhanced through two mechanisms: a non-resonant process related to the lowering of the potential barrier and a resonant mechanism involving bound states of the ions. The non-resonant process is found to be dominant. The influence of various parameters such as ionic density, cathode temperature and charge states of the ions on amplification coefficients is analysed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
