The Influence of the Fluctuation Amplitude on the Probe Characteristic

Abstract

Abstract The time‐averaged probe current is calculated by using a sampling method for sinusoidal and sawtooth‐like oscillations of the space potential. The effect of oscillations on the measured plasma parameters obtained with the aid of the single probe method, double probe method and the method of the second derivative of the probe characteristic is discussed, with the electron saturation current being taken into account. In the ion current the values r p /λ D , λ/r p and M i characterizing the working regime are varied. The calculated results are checked by corresponding measurements in a beam generated plasma.