An update of argon inelastic cross sections for plasma discharges

This paper proposes a coherent set of electron impact inelastic cross sections for argon, based on recent experimental measurements. The updated set is validated by comparing calculated swarm parameters and rate coefficients (obtained by solving the two-term approximation electron Boltzmann equation) with available experimental data. This validation procedure is usually adopted when the cross section set is to be later used in plasma discharge modelling. Simulation results for the electron drift velocity and characteristic energy are in very good agreement with experimental values of these quantities. Calculations, using cross section sets proposed by different authors, of the total (direct + cascade) excitation coefficients to the 4s and 4p states, and of the Townsend ionization coefficient, show that the present set ensures the best overall agreement with measured values. The agreement is particularly good for the excitation coefficient to metastable 4s'[1/2]₀ and the Townsend ionization coefficient, which are probably the most relevant electron macroscopic coefficients in the modelling of discharge plasmas.