COUPLING OF EXCITED-STATE KINETICS AND BOLTZMANN-EQUATION IN NONEQUILIBRIUM PLASMAS

The need for coupling heavy-particle excited-state kinetics and electr on dynamics in molecular and atomic plasmas is illustrated for differe nt plasma conditions, such as DC (direct current). RF (radio frequency ), laser pumping circuit, afterglow and multipole magnetic plasmas. Di fferent systems (N-2, H-2, O-2, He, He-CO2 He-CO-CO2-N-2, SiH4, Ne-Xe- HCl) are discussed with emphasis on the role of excited states in shap ing the electron energy distribution function under various plasma con ditions.