Theory of photoelectron thermalization and transport in the ionosphere
Abstract
A new theoretical approach for calculating the equilibrium photoelectron flux energy and pitch angle distribution in the ionosphere is presented. Photoelectron transport, secondary electron production, and energy degradation by the excitation of the discrete energy states of the neutral atmospheric constituents and by continuous energy transfer to the ambient thermal electron gas are included in a manner consistent with the Boltzmann equation which constitutes the foundation of the theory. A difference equation, suitable for numerical solution, is given, and a numerical method for the solution of this equation is discussed in detail.
- Publication:
-
Planetary and Space Science
- Pub Date:
- February 1975
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0032-0633(75)90139-7
- Bibcode:
- 1975P&SS...23..337M
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Distribution;
- Atmospheric Ionization;
- Electron Flux Density;
- Ionospheric Electron Density;
- Photoelectrons;
- Thermalization (Energy Absorption);
- Atmospheric Composition;
- Boltzmann Transport Equation;
- Electron Gas;
- Electron Scattering;
- Energy Transfer;
- Pitch (Inclination);
- Secondary Emission;
- Geophysics