Ion-Acoustic Double Layers

Abstract

It is found, by means of numerical simulations, that an ion-acoustic instability ($v_d<v_{\mathrm{te}}$) results in the formation of double layers in a sufficiently long system. Anomalous resistivity generated by the ion-acoustic instability causes the buildup of a dc potential which in turn accelerates electrons further to enhance the original instability leading to the formation of double layers.