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Electron kinetics of collision dominated R. F. bulk plasma in CO: the role of second-kind collisions

Journal Article · · Plasma Chem. Plasma Process.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01016156· OSTI ID:6419430

Electron energy distribution functions (EEDF) and related properties in the bulk region of the rf CO plasma at the reduced rf field frequency omega/p/sub 0/ = ..pi.. x 10/sup 7/ sec/sup -1/ torr/sup -1/ have been calculated by solving the time-dependent spatially homogeneous Boltzmann equation in the presence of second-kind collisions and have been interpreted on a microphysical basis. The results show that second-kind collisions (vibrational and electronic) strongly affect the temporal evolution of EEDF, of the mean energy, and of the mean collision frequencies for vibrational and electronic excitation processes, as well as for ionization. In particular, second-kind collisions in the CO rf bulk plasma strongly decrease the modulation of the mean ionization frequency during its periodical alteration in the rf field. Furthermore, the effect of second-kind collisions on an approximate determination of the time-averaged EEDF in the rf bulk plasma using the so-called effective-field approximation has been estimated.

Research Organization:
Universita di Bari (Italy)
OSTI ID:
6419430
Journal Information:
Plasma Chem. Plasma Process.; (United States), Journal Name: Plasma Chem. Plasma Process.; (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN PCPPD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English