Exact orbital motion theory of the shielding potential around an emitting, spherical body

A kinetic theory for the equilibrium of an unmagnetized plasma consisting of electrons and ions surrounding a spherical body emitting electrons (due to thermionic emission, photoemission, or secondary emission) is presented. The theory is valid for positively charged bodies, neglects collisions of the plasma particles, and is formulated for profiles of the shielding potential presenting an attractive well. Particle-in-cell simulations are shown to be in good agreement with the theory. An approximated criterion is derived to determine the presence of the potential well. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.