Multiple ion species plasmas with thermal ions in an oblique magnetic field

Abstract

Using a three-fluid model, the combined effects of an oblique magnetic field and finite temperature of positive ion species on the characteristics of the sheath region of multi-component plasmas are investigated numerically. It is assumed that the ion species are singly charged and have different masses. In the presence of an external magnetic field, it is shown that the density distribution of positive ion species (especially the lighter ion species) begins to fluctuate and does not decrease monotonically towards the wall. Also, it is shown that by increasing the magnetic field, the amplitude of fluctuation increases and its position moves towards the sheath edge. Moreover, it is illustrated that the presence of the magnetic field affects the sheath width and by increasing the magnetic field, the sheath width decreases. In addition, the results show that in the presence of the magnetic field, the increase of temperature of positive ion species has an infinitesimal effect on the sheath width and density distribution of positive ion species.