Impact of q-dependent ionization frequency on sheath formation and behavior in magnetized collisionless plasma with non-extensive electron distribution

Abstract

This paper investigates the formation and structure of the sheath in a magnetized, collisionless, non-extensive plasma under the influence of electron impact ionization. A modified q -dependent electron-neutral ionization frequency is derived for the ionization process in the sheath region, revealing a strong dependence of the ionization frequency on the non-extensive parameter q . The results show that the ionization frequency significantly increases for lower values of q (super-extensive electrons), leading to more energetic electrons and enhanced ionization effects. Additionally, a modified q-dependent Bohm criterion is derived, showing that the Bohm velocity limit for q > 1 approaches the zero-source term limit. The impact of the q -dependent source term on sheath characteristics such as charged particle densities, space charge density, electric field, ion flux , and ion velocities is thoroughly examined. It is found that the source term affects the sheath characteristics, especially in the case of a super-extensive electron distribution ( q < 1 ) case. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that increasing the magnetic field angle leads to a stronger electric field within the sheath, and that the sheath length is significantly influenced by both the non-extensive parameter q and the magnetic field angle. • Derive a q-generalized electron impact ionization frequency for magnetized plasma sheath. • Demonstrate strong influence of non-extensivity parameter on ionization processes in plasma sheath. • Establish modified q-dependent Bohm criterion using Sagdeev potential technique. • Reveal the effect of the magnetic field angle on the sheath proprieties.