Double layer (plasma physics)

In plasma physics, a double layer refers to a structure formed in a plasma (an ionized gas consisting of charged particles) where there exists a significant potential difference across a relatively thin region. This potential difference can separate regions of differing densities of electrons and ions, leading to the creation of a layer that can efficiently accelerate charged particles. Double layers occur in various plasma environments, such as in space plasmas (e.g., in the solar wind) or laboratory plasma experiments.