On anode spots, double layers and plasma contactors

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Abstract
Luminous, sharply defined and nearly spherical objects ('fireballs'), typically several centimetres in diameter, have been observed in Ar, Kr and Xe plasmas. The 'fireballs' are anchored on a disk anode biased at 40-50 V above ground potential. They have been analysed in terms of a spherical double-layer model, in which ionization of the gas atoms by electrons energized at the double layer plays an essential role. The relevance is discussed of the results to the so-called 'plasma contactors' to be used in space, especially in view of applications to electrodynamic tethers.
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