Elastic and Inelastic Collision Cross Sections in Hydrogen and Deuterium from Transport Coefficients

A. G. Engelhardt and A. V. Phelps
Phys. Rev. 131, 2115 – Published 1 September 1963
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Abstract

By means of a numerical solution of the Boltzmann equation, elastic and inelastic collision cross sections have been derived for electrons in H2 and D2 subjected to a dc electric field. The cross sections for momentum transfer, rotational excitation, vibrational excitation, electronic excitation, and ionization are investigated by comparing experimental and theoretical values of transport coefficient. The same momentum transfer cross section previously obtained for H2 by Frost and Phelps has been found to be valid for D2. Good agreement is secured between experiment and theory by multiplying the theoretical rotational cross sections of Gerjuoy and Stein by approximately 1.5, provided the polarization factor of Dalgarno and Moffett is used. The final cross section for vibrational excitation of H2 has a threshold at 0.52 eV and a peak of 7.7×1017 cm2 at 4.5 eV, whereas that of D2 has a threshold at 0.36 eV and a peak of 6.6×1017 cm2 at 4.7 eV. The derived electronic excitation cross sections are the same for both H2 and D2. The ionization cross section was taken from the experimental results of Tate and Smith. Calculated transport coefficients for electrons subjected to crossed electric and magnetic fields, and high-frequency ac electric fields are in agreement with recent experimental and theoretical results.

  • Received 18 April 1963

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.131.2115

©1963 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

A. G. Engelhardt and A. V. Phelps

  • Westinghouse Research Laboratories, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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Issue

Vol. 131, Iss. 5 — September 1963

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