Electron distribution functions for electron attachment to SF6 and model systems

The steady electron distribution function in attaching gases can be strongly perturbed from the thermal Maxwellian or Davydov distributions. For particular cross sections, concentrations and electric fields, the steady electron distribution can be localized at high energies. A very efficient methodology for the calculation of the electron distribution as the lowest eigenfunction of the appropriate Fokker-Planck equation (or equivalent Schrödinger equation) has been developed. Results are presented for a model system, and for SF₆ in He and Xe. The eigenvalue spectrum of the Fokker-Planck equation determines the time evolution of electron properties, and the extent to which the attachment and thermalization processes are coupled.