Influence of the Ramsauer Townsend minimum on the electron energy distribution function and electron transport in xenon

The electron distribution function in xenon in the low-energy region comprising the Ramsauer Townsend minimum was obtained by solving the Boltzmann equation in the hydrodynamic approximation, for electric field to gas density ratios E/N in the range (0.01, 3) Td. The distortion of the electron distribution function due to the minimum is analysed and correlated to the behaviour of the electron transport coefficients: the drift velocity W_d and the ratio of the transverse and longitudinal diffusion coefficient to mobility, D_T/mu and D_L/mu. The results are discussed in view of the different theoretical and experimental cross-section data used.