Progress in electron kinetics of low pressure discharges and related phenomena

The central position in every kinetic description of a many-particle system is occupied by the distribution function. The basis for getting this DF is the solution or at least the operation of the famous Boltzmann equation which describes the variations of the DF in space and time due to the different movements and interaction processes of the particles. For many macroscopic phenomena of low pressure plasmas the electron component is of highest importance, because this component is the basis for the input of energy, for the conduction of the electric current and for the formation of excited and ionized states. To put it concisely: In the first place the electrons provide for the properties which distinguish the plasma from an ordinary gas. Doubtlessly the kinetics of electrons is the key for microphysical understanding of the electrically feeded low pressure plasmas and the progress of electron kinetics has always had a strong influence on the progress of the kinetics of the other plasma components such as ions and excited atoms. (author)