An approximation for the electron energy distribution function in co2 laser discharges

Abstract The Boltzmann equation for the electron energy distribution function in CO 2 laser discharges is simplified in such a manner that it opens the way for the computation of this function in each cell inside the laser cavity. The solution of the simplified Boltzmann equation is particularly useful in the energy range 3–30 eV, where it can differ from the rigourous solution by less than 1%.