An Analytic Electron-Impact Ionization Anisotropic Scattering Model for Monte Carlo Plasma and Swarm Applications

Modeling non-equilibrium plasmas or swarm experiments with Monte Carlo collision codes or Boltzmann equation solver codes requires input of comprehensive sets of collision cross sections and or scattering models. However, scattering models utilized for the ionization anisotropic scattering process have generally not been validated against theory or measurements.

Recently we have developed an analytic model for calculating the electron-impact ionization anisotropic angular scattering distribution functions, which can be readily implemented in Monte Carlo simulation codes. Here we present our approach and compare the model to generally utilized scattering models and accurate time-dependent close-coupling scattering calculations.