Numerical simulation of sheath structure and current-voltage characteristics of a conductor-dielectric disk in a plasma

A computer program is being developed to simulate the interaction of a plasma with a conducting disk. Two configurations are examined: (1) the conductor is a 'button' in the center of a larger dielectric disk, and (2) the conducting disk is covered by a dielectric disk to the same size with a circular hole in the center of the dielectric, exposing a region of conductor. Results of the electrostatic plasma simulation are presented both with and without secondary electron emission from the dielectric; characteristic curves and voltage profiles are included.