On the structure of the stationary charged nearelectrode layer in a degenerate plasma

A nonlinear self-consistent theory is developed of a stationary charged near-electrode layer in the plasma in which both charged components are quantum degenerate. The theory is based on a two-liquid gas-dynamics description of the plasma with the use of equations of state for the cold Fermi-gas (in the Thomas-Fermi approximation) for both components. The generalized Bohm criterion for the existence of the stationary layer is derived together with the criterion for the formation of the structure of double-layer type in this layer. The theory is illustrated by numerical examples of various structures in the layer, including structures of single and double-layer types.