Electron energy distributions in discharges in cesium-argon mixtures

Abstract Energy-distribution functions, average energies and drift velocities of electrons have been calculated for discharges in argon with a small addition of cesium. Parameters are the reduced electric-field strength, the degree of ionization, and the concentration of cesium. The processes that have been taken into account are elastic collisions of electrons with cesium and argon atoms, and with cesium and argon ions; inelastic collisions of electrons with these atoms; and collisions of electrons mutually.