Monte Carlo simulation of electron motion in magnetically confined CO gas laser discharges

Abstract

Monte Carlo simulation has been used to investigate electron motion in magnetically confined CO gas laser discharges. The influences of a perpendicular magnetic field on electron transport coefficients have been studied. Data on transverse and perpendicular velocities, mean energy and numbers of several types of collisions are evaluated at various magnetic field types and strengths. The results show that the applied magnetic field decreases the transverse velocity, mean energy and ionization coefficient, and increases the perpendicular velocity. The high perpendicular velocity suppresses localized thermal electron constriction, giving a higher input power loading. The applied magnetic field also increases the number of collisions, resulting in increasing losses of the electron energy obtained from the electric field, especially the losses in vibrational levels. The magnetic field distribution and strength have great effects on the electron transport coefficients and the discharge properties.