Coupled solution of a time-dependent collisional-radiative model and Boltzmann equation for atomic hydrogen plasmas: possible implications with LIBS plasmas

A time-dependent collisional-radiative model coupled to the Boltzmann equat ion for the electron energy distribution function has been developed for at omic hydrogen plasmas. Different non-equilibrium initial conditions have be en studied. The results show that in the early stage of the evolution as we ll as in the recombination phase, both distribution functions of excited st ates and of electrons deviate from the corresponding equilibrium (Boltzmann and Maxwell) distributions. The possible implications of the results with LIBS plasmas are finally discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All righ ts reserved.