A continuum model was used to analyze charged particle transport and potential distribution in low‐pressure radio frequency (rf) glow discharges. The method of lines with orthogonal collocation on finite elements for the spatial discretization was found to be an effective numerical technique for solving the model equations. An argonlike (electropositive) discharge was compared to a pure chlorine (electronegative) discharge. The electronegative discharge was found to have much thinner sheaths, much greater potential drop and electric field strength in the bulk plasma, and severe modulation by the applied rf (10 MHz frequency) of the electron temperature, ionization, and excitation rate, even in the bulk. The effect of varying excitation frequency was also examined. The results showed that continuum models can capture the essential features of both kinds of discharges. Integration of these models with neutral species transport and reaction can result in powerful tools for the modeling and design of plasma reactors.
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