Numerical simulation of applying RF energy to optically pumped Plasma

Abstract

This paper numerically investigates the vibrational distribution function, temperature and electron number density of the non-equilibrium plasma. The non-equilibrium plasma is created through an associative ionization in collisions of two highly vibrationally excited molecules, which are optically pumped by a continuous wave CO laser. A sub-breakdown RF field is applied to the plasma. The collisions between the free electrons heated by the field and the diatomic species create additional vibrational excitation in the plasma region, and the rf energy is coupled to the plasma. The results show the non-equilibrium plasma can be produced and sustained by a combination of a continuous wave CO laser and a subbreakdown radio frequency electric field by the associative ionization mechanism.