A Monte Carlo analysis of an electron swarm in a non-uniform field: the cathode region of a glow discharge in helium

A Monte Carlo method for studying the steady-state behaviour of charged species under the influence of a non-uniform electric field is described. This method, using a null-collision technique based on determination of the increase in kinetic energy between two collisions, avoids calculation of the time variations of the phase space coordinates of the charged species. The electron behaviour in the cathode region of a glow discharge has been analysed using this method; spatial variations of the energy and angular electron distribution functions, and of the macroscopic electron parameters are discussed. (author)