Influence of the Ramsauer–Townsend minimum on the electron energy distribution function and electron transport in xenon

Abstract

The electron distribution function in xenon in the low-energy region comprising the Ramsauer–Townsend minimum was obtained by solving the Boltzmann equation in the hydrodynamic approximation, for electric field to gas density ratios $E/N$ in the range (0.01, 3) Td. The distortion of the electron distribution function due to the minimum is analysed and correlated to the behaviour of the electron transport coefficients: the drift velocity $W_{\rm d}$ and the ratio of the transverse and longitudinal diffusion coefficient to mobility, $D_{\rm T}/\mu$ and $D_{\rm L}/\mu$. The results are discussed in view of the different theoretical and experimental cross-section data used.