Electron swarm development in SF6. I. Boltzmann equation analysis

Abstract
The electron swarm behaviour in SF6 gas is studied for E/N values from 141 to 707 Td by a three-term Boltzmann equation method, in which the effect of generation and loss of electrons due to ionisation and attachment is considered properly. A consistent set of electron collision cross sections, which gives the swarm parameter values in agreement with previous measurements, is determined considering the latest cross section data. The calculation is performed mainly for the steady-state Townsend condition. The validity of the results obtained has been confirmed by a Monte Carlo simulation carried out parallel to the analysis. The present results are also compared with those of the usual two-term Boltzmann analysis. It is found that the two-term approximation is fully valid for deduction of the swarm parameters for E/N values as considered despite the fact that SF6 is a strongly electronegative gas.

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