Triode model of a deep potential well in a vacuum diode

This paper presents the results of a numerical simulation of the process of formation of a nonstationary well in the gap between the front of the cathode flare and the anode taking into account the floating potential at the boundary of the expanding plasma. It has been shown that in a vacuum diode a potential well can form whose lifetime lies on the nanosecond scale. Based on the results obtained, an explanation is given to the effect of collective acceleration of ions in a vacuum spark discharge.