Influence of electron beam injection on plasma parameters and sheath in a dc discharge plasma

Influence of an electron beam on plasma characteristics and boundary sheath has been investigated experimentally in a dc discharge plasma. This article reports the behavior of the ion sheath formed in front of a negatively biased plate immersed in the plasma, produced in a double plasma device. When a low energy electron beam (Eb=10–50 eV) is injected into the target section, the density as well as the positive ion flux into the sheath increase. As a result, sheath contraction takes place. It is also observed that the floating potential of the plate can be controlled with the help of an electron beam.