Relaxation of electrons in two space dimensions in space-charge confined plasmas

The relaxation of the electron component in a cylindrical DC column plasma is studied by solving the electron kinetic equation in two space dimensions. In particular, the response of the electron gas to a local disturbance of its axial homogeneity under the influence of a radial space-charge confinement is analyzed. Emphasis is put on the visualization of the electron velocity distribution and the electron particle and energy fluxes.