Numerical simulation of point-to-plane corona discharge using a Monte Carlo method

Monte Carlo simulation techniques are used to study the dynamical properties of charged particles in point-to-plane corona discharge. The numerical model includes the release of electron–ion pairs by photoionization and secondary electron emission from cathode as well as the first Townsend ionization. The simulation results of negative corona discharge in nitrogen show that electron avalanche takes place in the region of high electric field near pin electrode and the photoionization is the essential mechanism to sustain the discharge as well as electron impact ionization.