A precise description of the electron distribution function near absorbing
surfaces has been obtained based on the solution of the inhomogeneous elect
ron Boltzmann equation. The absorbing surface creates a large gradient of t
he electron distribution function that consequently leads to an axial varia
tion of the electron density and other electron transport parameters, The a
xial variation of the electron distribution function is investigated and co
mpared for rare gases and nitrogen and the impact of the higher order terms
in Legendre polynomial expansion is discussed.