A novel algorithm for calculating the time evolution of the electron energy distribution function in gaseous discharges

摘要

We are presenting a novel numerical technique for obtaining the time evolution of the electron velocity and electron energy distribution functions in the presence of a uniform electric field. Using this technique, the various swarm parameters can be evolved for sufficiently long times so that equilibrium can be reached without incurring any numerical instabilities. Results are presented for electron swarms in gaseous neon for various values of E/N.