External Electromagnetic Field Research Articles

The Research on Triple-coil Inductive Debris Sensor with Electromagnetic Shielding

Abstract A high sensitivity inductive debris sensor is of great significance for oil condition monitoring and the fault diagnosis of mechanical equipment. However, inductive sensors are susceptible to interference from external electromagnetic fields. In this study, an inductive debris sensor with a shielding layer is studied, which can effectively reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensor. Theoretical and experimental results verify the effectiveness of the shielding layer, and also show that the shielding layer impacts the magnetic field of the sensor, resulting in a decrease in the amplitude of the output signal. Detailed analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of structural parameters on the performance of inductive sensors. These parameters include the distance between the shielding layer and the coils, the thickness of the shielding layer, and the shielding layer material. Based on the theoretical and experimental results, reference suggestions are provided for the design of the shielding layer. This study ensures the performance and reliability of inductive sensors in practical applications.

A first-principles study of bilayer 1T'-WTe2/CrI3: a candidate topological spin filter

The ability to manipulate electronic spin channels in 2D materials is crucial for realizing next-generation spintronics. Spin filters are spintronic components that polarize spins using external electromagnetic fields or intrinsic material properties like magnetism. Recently, topological protection from backscattering has emerged as an enticing feature that can be leveraged to enhance the robustness of 2D spin filters. In this work, we propose and then characterize one of the first 2D topological spin filters: bilayer CrI3/1T’-WTe2. To do so, we use a combination of density functional theory, maximally localized Wannier functions, and quantum transport calculations to demonstrate that a terraced bilayer satisfies the principal criteria for being a topological spin filter: namely, that it is gapless, exhibits spin-polarized charge transfer from WTe2 to CrI3 that renders the bilayer metallic, and has a topological boundary which retains the edge conductance of monolayer 1T’-WTe2. In particular, we observe that small negative ferromagnetic moments are induced on the W atoms in the bilayer, and the atomic magnetic moments on the Cr are approximately 3.2 μB/Cr compared to 2.9 μB/Cr in freestanding monolayer CrI3. Subtracting the charge and spin densities of the constituent monolayers from those of the bilayer further reveals spin-orbit coupling-enhanced spin-polarized charge transfer from WTe2 to CrI3. We demonstrate that the bilayer is topologically trivial by showing that its Chern number is zero. Lastly, we show that interfacial scattering at the boundary between the terraced materials does not remove WTe2’s edge conductance. Altogether, this evidence indicates that BL 1T’-WTe2/CrI3 is gapless, magnetic, and topologically trivial, meaning that a terraced WTe2/CrI3 bilayer heterostructure in which only a portion of a WTe2 monolayer is topped with CrI3 is a promising candidate for a 2D topological spin filter. Our results further suggest that 1D chiral edge states may be realized by stacking strongly ferromagnetic monolayers, like CrI3, atop 2D nonmagnetic Weyl semimetals like 1T’-WTe2.

Influence of Magnetic Polarization on Diagrams of Inductive and Electromagnetic Logs

Abstract ––We present the results of the study of the effect of induced magnetic polarization of clay beds under the influence of an external harmonic electromagnetic field (frequencies 70 and 875 kHz). A two-stage numerical modeling procedure is proposed. At the first stage we determine the effective relative magnetic permeability of a synthetic sample with inclusions of clay particles. In this case a 3D heterogeneous mesh sample is generated. Then we numerically model a spatial distribution of an electric field. The electromotive force (EMF) induced in the measuring coil is calculated from this distribution. Relative magnetic permeability is determined by comparison with EMF of homogeneous samples with different values of magnetic permeability. It has been found that during the electric field excitation by an alternating current coil, the effect of induced magnetic polarization appears in the sample with clay particles. Its manifestation is that the effective magnetic permeability becomes complex. At the second stage we calculate the EMF diagram of the three-coil logging probe in the macro-model ‘clay cap – reservoir’. Magnetic permeability of the clay cap is given by a complex value. In the generated logs, extremes appear in the vicinity of the bottom of the clay cap; they do not correspond to the distribution of electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability in the given model. They can be incorrectly interpreted when analyzing real logs into individual formations. Numerical modeling at all stages is performed by the Vector Finite Element Method on a consistent adaptive tetrahedral partition and the first-order Webb vector basis.

Spin and Susceptibility Effects of Electromagnetic Self-Force in Effective Field Theory.

The classic Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac self-force of pointlike particles is generalized within an effective field theory setup to include linear spin and susceptibility effects described perturbatively, in that setup, by effective couplings in the action. Electromagnetic self-interactions of the pointlike particle are integrated out using the in-in supersymmetric worldline quantum field theory formalism. Divergences are regularized with dimensional regularization, and the resulting equations of motion are in terms only of an external electromagnetic field and the particle degrees of freedom.

Electromagnetic Fields (Including Microwaves) Can Lower the Immune Response and Even Change The DNA

This article was written to draw attention to the experimentally found facts that external electromagnetic fields (like microwaves) can not only lower the immune response; it can even change the type of species. This is possible because beside the material body, we have biofield - weak electromagnetic field seen as aura. My lifelong studies of the biofield (aura) found that it is weak Nonlinear Electromagnetic Field (NEMF), which we can expect to be sensitive to external electromagnetic fields with wide range of frequencies, including microwaves. The Chinese scientist Dr. Kanchen found experimentally in 1961 in China that microwaves with frequency 11 GHz change the type of species. This article is a serious warning that the new microwave technologies (used in our fast internet, cellular phones and TV) when shifting to higher and higher frequencies for faster and faster internet will reach the frequency 11 GHz, which will change our DNA, turning us to a different type of species. Unfortunately, in the US we developed these technologies without studding their effect on humans. For that reason, in the US we don’t have any regulations about what should be the maximally allowed safe intensity and frequency of the fields used in these technologies (we have regulations only for ionization radiation). We need to correct this as soon as possible.

Study on Electrical Characteristics and Formation Mechanism of Micro-Ion Capacitor in Shale Pore and Fracture Structure

Due to the micro/nanoscale and intricate pore structure, poor connectivity, complex pathways, the presence of microfractures, and the coexistence of organic and inorganic pores, shale and other tight reservoirs exhibit increasingly complex conductive characteristics. This paper mainly studied the electrical properties of shale based on experimental test data, including scanning electron microscope (SEM) thin-section and microtomography CT (μ-CT) images, and analyzed the shale pore type, pore structure characteristics, and development of fracture. Then, the distribution of pyrite, content, and graphitization of organics and their influence on the electrical properties are discussed. Furthermore, the double electrical layer and zeta potential in the shale zone were discussed in depth. The results revealed that, within the content of pyrite, organics, and its graphitization, the vitrinite maturity are inversely proportional to shale resistivity. It was also found that in the presence of an external electromagnetic field, the fluid in shale pores is subjected to the combined strength of pore pressure and external field potential difference. Thus, its response equation should be an improved Navier-Stokes equation, which considers pore pressure, zeta potential, and Coulomb force. When shale is subjected to an external electromagnetic field, due to the complex pores structure and organic and inorganic minerals, it will represent more of a dielectric-like property than electricity. So, it will form special microscopic ionic capacitors, which are different from common plate capacitors. There are three special kinds of microscopic ionic capacitors, they are (I) the intergranular pore microscopic ionic capacitor model, (II) the particle with isolated pore microscopic ionic capacitor model, and (III) the pyrite or graphite or other organics microscopic ionic capacitor model. Finally, the characteristics of microscopic ion capacitors are summarized: irregular polar area and varying distance between poles, varying charges with time, and salinity of the formation water.

A large-scale cold plasma jet: generation mechanism and application effect

Atmospheric pressure cold plasma jets (APCPJs) typically exhibit a slender, conical structure, which imposes limitations on their application for surface modification due to the restricted treatment area. In this paper, we introduce a novel plasma jet morphology known as the large-scale cold plasma jet (LSCPJ), characterized by the presence of both a central conical plasma jet and a peripheral trumpet-like diffuse plasma jet. The experimental investigations have identified the factors influencing the conical and the trumpet-like diffuse plasma jet, and theoretical simulations have shed light on the role of the flow field and the electric field in shaping the formation of the LSCPJ. It is proved that, under conditions of elevated helium concentration, the distributions of impurity gas particles and the electric field jointly determine the plasma jet’s morphology. High-speed ICCD camera images confirm the dynamic behavior of plasma bullets in LSCPJ, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. Finally, it is demonstrated that when applied to the surface treatment of silicone rubber, LSCPJ can achieve a treatment area over 28 times larger than that of APCPJ under equivalent conditions. This paper uncovers the crucial role of impurity gases and electric fields in shaping plasma jet morphology and opens up the possibility of efficiently diversifying plasma jet generation effects through external electromagnetic fields. These insights hold the promise of reducing the generation cost of plasma jets and expanding their applications across various industrial sectors.

Optimal quantum control of charging quantum batteries

Quantum control allows us to address the problem of engineering quantum dynamics for special purposes. While recently the field of quantum batteries has attracted much attention, optimization of their charging has not benefited from the quantum control methods. Here we fill this gap by using an optimization method. We apply for the first time the convergent iterative method for the control of the population of a bipartite quantum system in two cases, starting with a qubit-qubit case. The quantum charger-battery system is considered here, where the energy is pumped into the charger by an external classical electromagnetic field. Secondly, we systematically extend our investigation to a second case involving two harmonic oscillators in the Gaussian regime, presenting an original formulation of the method. In both cases, the charger is considered to be an open dissipative system, as its interaction with the drive may require a more pronounced exposure to general interaction with environment. A key consideration in our optimization strategy is the practical concern of turning the charging external field on and off. We find that optimizing the pulse shape yields a substantial enhancement in both the power and efficiency of the charging process compared to a sinusoidal drive. The harmonic oscillator configuration of quantum batteries is particularly intriguing, as the optimal driving pulse remains effective regardless of the environmental temperature. This study introduces a novel approach to quantum battery charging optimization, opening avenues for enhanced performance in real-world applications.

Exciton states in molecular superlattices

The structure of molecular superlattices consists of van der Waals heterostructures of two-dimensional atomic crystals (ultrathin films) connected to each other with regular and periodic patterns. Inspired by the increasing importance of excitons for optical spectroscopy and the engineering of photonic materials in recent years, we have calculated the energy spectra of excitons in superlattices in this theoretical study. The number of film layers and the ratio between the exciton energy transfer within each motif (film) and the exciton energy transfer between neighboring motifs (between films) are important parameters that determine the behavior in an external electromagnetic field.

The search for new pathogenesis of cardiorenal syndrome: the effect of local Schumann resonance on the occurrence of episodes of kidney disease and myocardial infarction

Background. The pandemic of noncommunicable chronic diseases and the high prevalence of combined damage to the cardiovascular system and kidneys determine the relevance of continuing scientific research to solve these medical problems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the influence of the Earth’s electromagnetic field on the occurrence of episodes of kidney disease and myocardial infarction in order to search for new pathogenetic components of cardiorenal syndrome and deepen fundamental knowledge. According to the Lithuanian magnetometer GCI003, a number of stu­dies in 2014–2018 found that changes in the Earth’s electromagnetic field may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases as well as their incidence. Since the functioning of the cardiovascular system and kidneys are closely connected through the metabolic processes of the cardiorenal metabolic axis, this study tested the hypothesis that changes in the Earth’s electromagnetic field may also affect the pathogenesis of kidney disease as the changes of local magnetic field have been shown to influence the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Materials and methods. This was a search retrospective study on the relationship between the influence of local Schumann resonances and the occurrence of hospitalizations in 1340 patients with kidney disease. It also examined the relationship between local Schumann resonances and heart attacks in patients admitted to the University Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (703 patients). Mean power of local magnetic field fluctuations in Lithuania was measured in pT2 s2 in five different frequency ranges, which overlaps the Schumann resonance and electroencephalogram’s frequency ranges: SDelta (0–3.5 Hz), STheta (3.5–7 Hz), SAlpha (7–15 Hz), SBeta (15–32 Hz), SGamma (32–66 Hz). The data of hospitalizations to the Nephrology Department of University Hospital and the dynamics of Schumann resonances were analyzed from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The data of hospitalizations for myocardial infarction to the Cardiology Department of University Hospital and the dynamics of Schumann resonances were studied from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. Results. It was found that changes in the strength of the Earth’s local magnetic field in 2016 and 2021 were comparable and corresponded to the characteristic annual dynamics of the Earth’s local electromagnetic fields. This made it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of annual correlation graphs and establish general trends in the dynamics of indicators and graphical similarities. It confirmed the pre­sence of a general dependence of reactions to the external electromagnetic field of the Earth in female and male patients both with nephrological pathology and myocardial infarction. In nephrological patients of both sexes, all correlation coefficients in all ranges of Schumann resonances were positive. The only negative correlation coefficient P5 (SGamma) [32; 65] Hz (r = –0.069; p = 0.313) was in the female group. This fact as well as the presence of a significant dynamics of the correlation coefficient P5 (SGamma) [32; 65] Hz (r = 0.009; p = 0.475) in the male group indicate that higher magnetic field strength in this frequency range may be associated with a reduced incidence of kidney disease. We obtained data that a higher magnetic field intensity in the gamma range from 32 to 65 Hz as a pathogenetic component can contribute to the destabilization of the cardiovascular system, but at the same time it is associated with a positive effect on the state of nephrological pathology. Based on this, we can tentatively assume the opposite direction of the Earth’s electromagnetic field influence on the pathogenetic mechanisms of renal and cardiovascular diseases. This is clearly demonstrated by comparing the correlation coefficients between the incidence of kidney disease and the occurrence of myocardial infarction in men and women. The Earth’s stronger magnetic field in the gamma range contributes to an increase in the incidence of myocardial infarction, which is confirmed by the large number of patients during this period. Under these same conditions, a decrease in the incidence of kidney disease has been detected. This opposite direction is observed in both sexes. But in women the reaction is stronger, which is confirmed by a larger difference in correlation coefficients. Conclusions. 1. Changes in the Earth’s electromagnetic field are related to the functional state of the cardiovascular system and the condition of the kidneys. 2. It can be assumed that the effect of the Earth’s electromagnetic field on the pathogenetic mechanisms of kidney disease is in the opposite direction of that on the cardiovascular one. 3. Reliable gender differences in correlations between the influence of changes in the local Schumann resonance on the functional state of the cardiovascular system and kidneys were not found. 4. The connection of the Earth’s local geomagnetic field with kidney function may be another new unexplored pathogenetic mechanism in cardiorenal syndrome and noncommunicable chronic diseases.

A synthetic diagnostics platform for microwave imaging diagnostics in tokamaks

Interpreting experimental diagnostics data in tokamaks, while considering non-ideal effects, is challenging due to the complexity of plasmas. To address this challenge, a general synthetic diagnostics (GSD) platform has been established that facilitates microwave imaging reflectometry and electron cyclotron emission imaging. This platform utilizes plasma profiles as input and incorporates the finite-difference time domain, ray tracing and the radiative transfer equation to calculate the propagation of plasma spontaneous radiation and the external electromagnetic field in plasmas. Benchmark tests for classical cases have been conducted to verify the accuracy of every core module in the GSD platform. Finally, 2D imaging of a typical electron temperature distribution is reproduced by this platform and the results are consistent with the given real experimental data. This platform also has the potential to be extended to 3D electromagnetic field simulations and other microwave diagnostics such as cross-polarization scattering.

Research Progress of Evaporator Surface Frost Suppression Technology

 Frosting of the evaporator leads to the increase of its thermal resistance and the reduction of system COP, which affects the safe use and efficient operation of air source heat pump. This paper summarizes the common evaporator frost suppression methods researched by scholars at home and abroad, and classifies the frost suppression methods into four categories: changing the temperature of the evaporator, changing the temperature of the evaporator, and changing the temperature of the evaporator. This paper summarizes the common evaporator frost suppression methods researched by scholars at home and abroad, and classifies the frost suppression methods into four categories: changing the inlet air parameter of the evaporator, modifying the surface of the evaporator, optimizing the structure and design of the evaporator and applying an external electromagnetic field to the evaporator, and overviews the progress of the research on the four frost suppression methods and makes an outlook to provide references and proposals for the further development of evaporator frost suppression technology of the air source heat pumps.

Design and Implementation of a Specialised Millimetre-Wave Exposure System for Investigating the Radiation Effects of 5G and Future Technologies.

As the fifth-generation (5G) network is introduced in the millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum, and the widespread deployment of 5G standalone (SA) is approaching, it becomes essential to establish scientifically grounded exposure limits in the mmWave frequency band. To achieve this, conducting experiments at specific frequencies is crucial for obtaining reliable evidence of potential biological impacts. However, there is a literature gap where experimental research either does not utilise the mmWave high band (e.g., the 26 Gigahertz (GHz) band) or most studies mainly rely on computational approaches. Moreover, some experimental studies do not establish reproducible test environment and exposure systems. Addressing these gaps is vital for a comprehensive exploration of the biological implications associated with mmWave exposure. This study was designed to develop and implement a mmWave exposure system operating at 26 GHz. The step-by-step design and development of the system are explained. This specialised system was designed and implemented within an anechoic chamber to minimise external electromagnetic (EM) interference, creating a controlled and reproducible environment for experiments involving high-frequency EM fields. The exposure system features a 1 cm radiation spot size, enabling highly localised exposure for various biological studies. This configuration facilitates numerous dosimetry studies related to mmWave frequencies.

On the plasmonic properties of a graphene nanoribbon and noble metal composite array

Graphene, composed of sp2 hybrid orbitals, is a hexagonal nanomaterial with a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice structure. Nowadays, thanks to its great electronic, optical, and thermal properties, there have been many promising applications based on graphene nanostructures. Under irradiations of external electromagnetic fields, the free electrons on graphene surfaces can be excited to oscillate collectively, resulting in highly localized surface plasmons. This phenomenon may provide foundations for designs of tunable plasmonic devices, therefore, graphene-based nanostructures have been widely studied so far. Besides, investigations on noble metals is another hot topic in the plasmonic community. With irradiations of incident lights, collective oscillations of free electrons on noble metals’ surfaces can also be induced, forming surface plasmons. The plasmonic characteristics can be adjusted by varying the parameters of the metals, including the geometries, thicknesses, as well as dimensions, etc. In this paper, a composite array consisting of graphene nanoribbons and noble metals is proposed, and its plasmonic properties are studied at mid-infrared wavelengths. In the structure, graphene nanoribbons are placed in between two SiO2 layers, and gold semi-cylinders and silver nanofilms are placed above the upper SiO2 layer, respectively. Using the finite difference time domain method, the light transmittance and electric field of the array are investigated, by varying the graphene’s Fermi energy and layer number, the noble metals’ sizes, as well as the period of the array, respectively. The results show that a plasmonic resonance feature is revealed in the 4–18 μm wavelength range, and the resonance characteristics can be tuned by adjusting the above parameters. The composite array structure proposed in this work may provide us with a new platform for the design of plasmonic devices in the mid-infrared regime.

Fermionic quantum gas at finite temperature within a Lorentz-violating background

In this work we consider a fermionic quantum gas within a Lorentz-violating background at finite temperature. We derive the effective action within path integral formalism considering the interaction of external electromagnetic field and Lorentz-violating background fields with quantum fermions. To introduce the temperature effects, we employ the Matsubara formalism. Comments about the corresponding phenomenology are also made.

A hybrid quantum-classical theory for predicting terahertz charge-transfer plasmons in metal nanoparticles on graphene.

Metal nanoparticle (NP) complexes lying on a single-layer graphene surface are studied with a developed original hybrid quantum-classical theory using the Finite Element Method (FEM) that is computationally cheap. Our theory is based on the motivated assumption that the carrier charge density in the doped graphene does not vary significantly during the plasmon oscillations. Charge transfer plasmon (CTP) frequencies, eigenvectors, quality factors, energy loss in the NPs and in graphene, and the absorption power are aspects that are theoretically studied and numerically calculated. It is shown the CTP frequencies reside in the terahertz range and can be represented as a product of two factors: the Fermi level of graphene and the geometry of the NP complex. The energy losses in the NPs are predicted to be inversely dependent on the radius R of the nanoparticle, while the loss in graphene is proportional to R and the interparticle distance. The CTP quality factors are predicted to be in the range ∼10-100. The absorption power under CTP excitation is proportional to the scalar product of the CTP dipole moment and the external electromagnetic field. The developed theory makes it possible to simulate different properties of CTPs 3-4 orders of magnitude faster compared to the original FEM or the finite-difference time domain method, providing possibilities for predicting the plasmonic properties of very large systems for different applications.

Dispersing Magnetic Nanoparticles into Staggered, Porous Nano‐Frameworks: Weaving and Visualizing Nanoscale Magnetic Flux Lines for Enhanced Electromagnetic Absorption

AbstractBy dispersing magnetic materials within various nanoscale structural frameworks, a complex and weavable magnetic network of nanoscale magnetic fields is created. This network not only systematically reconstructs interactions with external electromagnetic fields but also inversely adjusts its magnetic properties, potentially leading to anomalous or enhanced magnetic behaviors. However, the challenges lie in finding an effective nano‐framework capable of efficiently regulating magnetic flux lines and visualizing these reconstructed fields at the nanoscale. In this study, magnetic Co nanoparticles are strategically dispersed into a meticulously layered nanoporous framework with the bottom and upper nanopores exhibiting a staggered arrangement. The staggered nanoporous structure intricately shapes the magnetic flux lines into a Chinese knot shape, significantly altering its magnetic characteristics. The innovative use of advanced in situ magnetic holography, coupled with magnetic simulation calculations, has been instrumental in visualizing these modifications to the magnetic flux lines. Such a transformation remarkably enhances the material's efficacy in absorbing electromagnetic waves, covering the Ku band with remarkable efficiency even at a minimal thickness of 1.7 mm. Looking ahead, these breakthroughs not only provide a roadmap for developing more efficient electromagnetic wave absorbers but also open up new possibilities in manipulating magnetic properties for various advanced technological applications.

Solvable Two-Dimensional Dirac Equation with Matrix Potential: Graphene in External Electromagnetic Field

It is known that the excitations in graphene-like materials in external electromagnetic field are described by solutions of a massless two-dimensional Dirac equation which includes both Hermitian off-diagonal matrix and scalar potentials. Up to now, such two-component wave functions were calculated for different forms of external potentials, though as a rule depending on only one spatial variable. Here, we shall find analytically the solutions for a wide class of combinations of matrix and scalar external potentials which physically correspond to applied mutually orthogonal magnetic and longitudinal electrostatic fields, both depending really on two spatial variables. The main tool for this progress is provided by supersymmetrical (SUSY) intertwining relations, specifically, by their most general—asymmetrical—form proposed recently by the authors. This SUSY-like method is applied in two steps, similar to the second order factorizable (reducible) SUSY transformations in ordinary quantum mechanics.

Equilibrium of Λ-fractional liquid crystals

Stability of the Λ-fractional equilibrium states of nematic liquid crystals is discussed. Applying bifurcation theory in the Λ-fractional space, branching analysis of the liquid crystals is performed and their constant initial direction ceases to exist at a critical value of the external (electromagnetic) field. Post-critical analysis is performed, defining the variable orientation of the crystals. The analysis is transferred into the initial space, defining the true variable orientation of the liquid crystal field.

Electron collision cross section data in plasma etching modeling

Semiconductor chips are the cornerstone of the information age, which play a vital role in the rapid development of emerging technologies such as big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Driven by the increasing demand for computing power, the chip manufacturing industry has been committed to pursuing higher level of integration and smaller device volumes. As a critical step in the chip manufacturing processes, the etching process therefore faces great challenges. Dry etching (or plasma etching) process based on the low-temperature plasma science and technology is the preferred solution for etching the high-precision circuit pattern. In the low-temperature plasma, electrons obtain energy from the external electromagnetic field and transfer the energy to other particles through collision process. After a series of complex physical and chemical reactions, a large number of active particles such as electrons, ions, atoms and molecules in excited states, and radicals are finally generated, providing the material conditions for etching the substrate. Dry etching chamber is a nonlinear system with multiple space-time dimensions, multiple reaction levels and high complexity. Facing such a complex system, only by fully understanding the basic physical and chemical reaction of the etching process can we optimize the process parameters and improve the etching conditions, so as to achieve precision machining of the semiconductor and meet the growing demand of the chip industry for etching rate and yield. In the early days, the process conditions of dry etching were determined through the trial-and-error method, which is characterized by high cost and low yield. However, with the help of plasma simulation, nowadays people have been able to narrow the scope of experiment to a large extent, and find out efficiently the optimal process conditions in a large number of parameters. In this review, we first introduce the basic theory of the mostly used models for plasma simulation including kinetic, fluid dynamic, hybrid and global models, in which the electron collision cross sections are the key input parameters. Since the formation of the low-temperature plasma is driven by the electron-heavy particle collision processes, and the active species for plasma etching are generated in the reactions induced by electron impact, the accuracy and completeness of the cross-section data greatly affect the reliability of the simulation results. Then, the theoretical and experimental methods for obtaining the cross-section data of etching gases are summarized. Finally, the research status of the electron collision cross sections of etching atoms and molecules is summarized, and the future research prospect is discussed.