Abstract
The Boltzmann equation expanded in the angular dependence in the velocity space is solved numerically in one-dimensional approximation to obtain the perturbed distribution function. This perturbed distribution is integrated to construct the rate coefficients entering the atomic ion and the metastable continuity equations. From these balance equations the dispersion equations of the fast as well as slow ionization wave varieties are recovered. The space resonances of the electron gas described earlier give rise to the fast s and slow s' wave varieties observed in the positive column of the low current helium DC discharge. The existence regions of these waves are numerically evaluated and compared with experiment. Furthermore, the results on the wave phase velocities and dependence of the characteristic potential on the electric field are confronted with the experimental data. The theory, which involves no free or adjustable parameters, renders a resonable agreement in some points. Possible reasons for the observed discrepancies are also discussed.
Published Version
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