On the electron energy distribution in the gas discharge positive column: Langmuir paradox

The results of calculations of electron drift characteristics in a dc spatially inhomogeneous periodic electric field are presented. It is shown that the effect of field inhomogeneities on the drift velocity and the average electron energy is insignificant under typical conditions of experiments with gas-discharge plasma at low gas pressures. However, the intensity of the processes of excitation, ionization, and plasma spatial distribution are strongly affected by the inhomogeneity (variance) and field variation behavior. It is shown that the electric field inhomogeneity in the gas discharge positive column leads to maxwellization of the electron energy distribution function.