Dynamics of plasma–electrode coupling in fluorescent lamp discharges

Abstract

A time dependent model of a low pressure, mercury–rare gas discharge with thermionic electrode is presented. The model is applicable to ac-operated fluorescent lamps, which is the focus of this work. The model describes a one-dimensional negative glow plasma that is bounded on one side by a thermionic electrode and a sheath, and on the other by a positive column plasma. The electrode/sheath component of the model, together with the mutually interacting negative glow plasma, allows for self-consistent calculation of the electrode sheath potential. The model describes a smooth transition in the plasma parameters from electrode to positive column and thus reveals the spatial extent of the influence of the electrode and sheath processes. A detailed description of the model is presented, as well as results of calculations pertaining to a standard fluorescent lamp. Also shown are measurements from a 2 mm interferometer and an internal floating probe, both of which compare favourably with the calculations.