Ignition of Microcathode Sustained Discharge

Microdischarges sustained at high gas pressure in specific geometries can be very stable. A particular type of microdischarge, which is the microhollow cathode discharge (MHCD), can be used as an electron source to sustain a larger volume discharge. In this paper, we present results from a numerical study of a microcathode sustained discharge (MCSD) as part of a three-electrode system consisting of an MHCD and an MCSD. The time evolution of the plasma in the MCSD region is shown. Our discussion is focused on the ignition of the MCSD assisted by the electrons coming from the MHCD.