Calculation of electron swarm parameters in oxygen using a rigorous Boltzmann equation analysis

Abstract

The electron swarm parameters, namely, the drift velocity, mean energy, attachment coefficient, and ionization coefficients are obtained in oxygen by solving the Boltzmann equation over a wider range of E/N values [Formula: see text]. Previous investigations have used either a space-time independent energy distribution or have adopted a rigorous approach for only a narrow range of E/N. The present analysis overcomes these restrictions and shows that the Fourier method of solving the Boltzmann equation yields very good results over the entire range of E/N.