Self-consistent particle-in-cell simulation of positive column discharge including radiation transport

Summary form only given, as follows. A one dimensional radial slice of positive column discharge is simulated with a radiation transport coupled particle-in-cell (RT-PIC) model. In this model, the radiative and metastable excited states are simulated by the fluid equations including collisional quenchings with radiation transport terms provided by Holstein´s equation. The motions of electrons and ions are simulated by the conventional particle-m-cell method, and their collisions with ground and excited state atoms are considered with a Monte Carlo collision model. The discharge is maintained by a current in the axial direction which induces a self-consistent axial electric field. The model is applicable for steady state as well as transient phenomena. Power balance and radiation efficiency of an Ar discharge are investigated for variations of axial driving current density, gas pressure, and outer radius. The parameter regimes are from 1 mTorr to 10 Torr for as pressure, from 4 eV to 9 eV for electron temperature from 10/sup 15/ to 10/sup 17/ m/sup -3/ for plasma density, and from 40 to 200 A/m/sup 2/ for axial current density. Radiative excited state densities for Doppler and pressure broadenings compare well with Holstein´s eigenmode expansion at steady state. The radiation emission spectra is also investigated for different parameters.