The calculation of electron energy distribution functions in the ionosphere

Abstract

A method of calculating the electron energy distribution functions when electric fields are present in the ionosphere is presented. Elastic and inelastic collisions of the electrons with the neutral and ionized gas, as well as mutual electron interactions, are included. The distribution function will be Maxwellian when the ratio of electron density Ne to neutral density N is such that for all energies of interest Ne/N > (2m/M)(σ/10−13)u2 Ne/N > (σ/10−13)u2 where uis energy in electron volts, and σel and σin are the elastic and inelastic cross sections, respectively, in units of square centimeters. Examples are shown to demonstrate that above 220 km the distribution function shapes are dominated by electron interactions.