Effect of a highly energetic electron beam on the electron distribution function in a hot dense plasma. Application to an argon plasma

The influence of a highly energetic electron beam on the electron distribution function (e.d.f.) in a hot dense plasma is investigated by solving the Boltzmann equation analytically. A plateau is obtained in the tail of the e.d.f. over an energy range between the excitation threshold and an energy value half that of the monoenergetic electrons. The importance of this plateau is discussed for a dense He-like argon plasma.