| Abstract: | We apply the Child–Langmuir asymptotics of the Vlasov–Poisson system to the case of a bipolar diode, i.e. a vacuum diode where two species of particles of opposite electric charge are flowing. This leads to a simplified model which, if at least one of the two injected currents is not too large, has a unique solution. Moreover, in that case, the currents flowing inside the diode are limited by the so-called bipolar Child–Langmuir currents. In the case of large currents, other solutions may appear, and the formation of virtual electrodes may occur inside the diode. © 1998 B. G. Teubner Stuttgart—John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
