Electron transport parameters in CO$_2$: scanning drift tube measurements and kinetic computations

TL;DR

This study measures electron transport coefficients in CO2 across a wide electric field range using experimental and computational methods, providing new data and insights into the applicability of different kinetic models.

Contribution

It offers extensive experimental data on electron transport in CO2 and compares these with various kinetic computations, highlighting the need for improved collision cross section data.

Findings

Experimental data extend the E/N range of previous studies.

Results are consistent with most earlier measurements.

Computational models reveal their applicability limits and need for better cross section data.

Abstract

This work presents transport coefficients of electrons (bulk drift velocity, longitudinal diffusion coefficient, and effective ionization frequency) in CO2 measured under time-of-flight conditions over a wide range of the reduced electric field, 15Td <= E/N <= 2660Td in a scanning drift tube apparatus. The data obtained in the experiments are also applied to determine the effective steady-state Townsend ionization coefficient. These parameters are compared to the results of previous experimental studies, as well as to results of various kinetic computations: solutions of the electron Boltzmann equation under different approximations (multiterm and density gradient expansions) and Monte Carlo simulations. The experimental data extend the range of E/N compared with previous measurements and are consistent with most of the transport parameters obtained in these earlier studies. The computational results point out the range of applicability of the respective approaches to determine the different measured transport properties of electrons in CO2. They demonstrate as well the need for further improvement of the electron collision cross section data for CO2 taking into account the present experimental data.