Simulation of the spatio-temporal evolution of the electron energy distribution function in a pulsed hollow-cathode discharge

This article presents the 2D simulation results of a nanosecond pulsed hollow cathode discharge obtained through a combination of fluid and kinetic models. The spatio-temporal evolution of the electron energy distribution function (EEDF) of the plasma column and electrical characteristics of the nanosecond pulsed hollow cathode discharge at a gas pressure of 5 Torr are studied. The results show that the discharge development starts with the formation of an ionization front at the anode surface. The ionization front splits into two parts in the cathode cavity while propagating along its lateral surfaces. The ionization front formation leads to an increase in the fast isotropic EEDF component at its front, as well as in the anisotropic EEDF component. The accelerated electrons enter the cathode cavity, which significantly contributes to the formation of the high-energy EEDF component and EEDF anisotropy.