Sheath-wave-related resonances in the frequency response of a cylindrical monopole in a plasma

Reference is made to a floating or negatively biased antenna immersed in a plasma that is surrounded by an ion sheath. Such an antenna-sheath-plasma system may support slow surface waves at driving frequencies below the electron plasma frequency. Resonances associated with these so-called sheath waves are observed at certain frequencies in the antenna's response to an applied sinusoidal signal. An experimental study of these resonances is presented for a short cylindrical monopole in a low-pressure isotropic argon plasma. The effect on the resonance frequencies of a DC bias applied to the antenna and of plasma density and antenna length was investigated. From the experimental data, the relationship between sheath thickness and antenna potential, and the frequency dependence of the antenna admittance could be derived.<>