2-D PIC simulation on space-charge limited emission current from plasma-facing components

Thermoelectrons emission from plasma facing components has been studied usi ng 2-D particle in cell simulation code (Berkeley code). The precise evalua tion of the thermoelectrons emission current in plasmas is essential to stu dy the plasma heat flow to the material surface, for example, the formation of the hot spot. It is found that the space-charge limited current strongl y depends on whether the periphery of the hot spot is insulator or conducto r which is due to the modification of potential profiles in front of the pl asma-facing components.