CALCULATED ENERGY DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS AND DRIFT VELOCITIES IN A CESIUM DISCHARGE

The electron energy distribution function in a discharge in cesium vapour has been calculated from the Boltzmann equation. The collision processes which have been taken into account are elastic electron-atom collisions, inelastic ones leading to the first excited states, and Coulomb collisions between electrons and ions and between electrons mutually. The distribution function is assumed to be time-independent and homogeneous in space. The only external force is the applied electric field. From the distribution functions the electron drift velocities, the average electron energies, and the energy loss rate at excitation of the first excited levels have been calculated as a function of the degree of ionization and the ratio between electric field and gas density. © 1969.