On the structure of the stationary charged nearelectrode layer in a degenerate plasma

Abstract

A nonlinear self-consistent theory is developed of a stationary charged near-electrode layer in the plasma in which both charged components are quantum degenerate. The theory is based on a two-liquid gas-dynamics description of the plasma with the use of equations of state for the cold Fermi-gas (in the Thomas–Fermi approximation) for both components. The generalized Bohm criterion for the existence of the stationary layer is derived together with the criterion for the formation of the structure of double-layer type in this layer. The theory is illustrated by numerical examples of various structures in the layer, including structures of single and double-layer types.