Influence of electron-neutral collision cross sections on swarm parameters in argon

To understand electrical discharges in gases, and for accurate plasma chemistry modeling, the major input is reliable electron-neutral collision cross section data. To have accurate information assessment, analysis and review of data on cross section in the available literature have been carried out. Each set of data was utilized, and its influence on the swarm parameters such as electron drift velocity or mobility, ionization growth, and diffusion coefficients are investigated. The electric field to gas density ratios (E/N) cover the wide range of 1 to 1000 Td. In support of this effort, finally a set of collision cross sections data for argon was derived. This modified and recommended set of data consisting of momentum transfer, elastic, excitation and ionization cross sections can accurately reproduce the macroscopic observables that are relevant to the real plasmas. Calculation of transport coefficients was carried out by using the numerical solution of Boltzmann equation (Bolsig).