Schottky Theory of Three Component Plasmas

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare papers which give conflicting results concerning the charged particle profiles in an oxygen discharge tube. Lee predicts proportional negative ion and electron profiles whereas Thompson and Ingold predict non-proportional profiles. The analytic developments were critically reviewed and numerical solutions were developed for each approach. Ingold's development seemed to be lacking a firm mathematical basis. One of Ingold's fundamental relations used throughout his development could not be established and, furthermore, it was shown that a completely different solution could be developed without introducing additional constraints. Lee's profiles reduce to Thompson's when associative detachment is ignored and a common set of parameters and coordinate system are used. When associative detachment is included, Lee and Thompson do not give similar profiles. Keywords include: Three Component Diffusion, Electronegative Gases, Oxygen Discharge Tube.