Two-electron group model and electron energy balance in low-pressure gas discharges

Abstract

The two‐electron group model (2‐EGM) provides a simple and powerful method to account for deviations from a Maxwellian shape of the electron energy distribution function in calculations on the positive column of low‐pressure gas discharges. An analysis is given of the electron energy balance in this 2‐EGM. Analytical expressions are obtained for the electron energy flow terms due to electron‐electron interactions, elastic collisions, and the external electric field. The results obtained differ from those used thus far. The 2‐EGM is applied in a simplified calculation for a low‐pressure Hg‐Ar discharge to obtain excited state densities. Good agreement is obtained with experimental data from literature.