Electron and Vibrational Distributions in N2 Flowing Discharges and Post-discharges at Reduced Gas Pressure

Relaxation of the electron and vibrational distribution functions have been calculated in function of residence time in N2 electrical discharges and post-discharges. Calculations results are compared to the measurements of N2 radiative states intensity and N2(X,v) vibrational density by CARS in a N2 DC positive column where the following plasma parameters: Electron density, gas temperature, electric field have been measured.

In the discharge the vibrational temperature get bigger with the residence time for t < 10-2 s. In the post-discharge the vibrational distribution is evolving in such a manner that the high levels are overpopulated as the low vibrational level populations are dropping