Evaluating Electron and Vibrational Distributions in N\(_2\) Flowing Discharges and Post-discharges at Reduced Gas Pressure

Abstract

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 an N₂ DC positive column where the following plasma parameters: electron density, gas temperature and electric field have been measured. In the discharge, the vibrational temperature gets 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.