Application of Green's differential equation to the analysis of ion-matrix sheaths around wedge-shaped cathodes

A relation between the gradient of the electric field and mean curvature of equipotential surfaces (Green's differential equation) is applied to a two-dimensional free-boundary problem arising in the study of ion sheaths around wedge-shaped cathodes. With the assumption that the equipotential lines are hyperbolae, this relation leads to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation for the potential along the bisector line of the wedge. An approximate solution is found, which yields, in particular, the sheath width along this line as a function of the wedge angle. The resulting values are in good agreement with published results obtained by numerically solving Poisson's equation.