N. A. Gorbunov
Physics Institute of St.-Petersburg State University, Ulianovskaya 1, 198904 St.-Petersburg, Russia *ENISE, 58 rue Jean Parot, 42023 St.-Etienne, France
A. S. Melnikov
Physics Institute, St. Petersburg University, Ulianovskaya 1,198904, St. Petersburg, Russia *ENISE, 58 rue Jean Parot, 42023 St.-Etienne, France
I. Yu. Smurov
C. N. R. S., Institut de Science et de Genie des Materiaux et Procedes B. P. 5, Odeillo, F-66125 Font-Romeu Cedex; Ecole Nationale d'Ingenieurs de Saint-Etienne, 58 rue Jean Parot, 42023 Saint -Etienne Cedex 2, France
Gilles Flamant
CNRS PROMES UPR 8521, Tecnosud, Rambla de la Thermodynamique, 66100 Perpignan, France
The present work is focused on parametric computations of electron energy distribution function (EEDF) and electron mobility in resonant photo-plasma of sodium mixed
with argon and molecular nitrogen. The conditions of a weak external electric field are considered, when electron heating is provided by collisions of the second kind with excited sodium atoms. It is shown that the non-equilibrium shape of the EEDF arising in this mixture can considerably affect electron mobility. It is demonstrated that under certain conditions the mobility may have negative values. The critical plasma parameters (partial pressure of mixture
components, plasma ionisation degree (ξ), population of excited sodium atoms, electric reduced field strength, vibration temperature of nitrogen molecules) are elucidated.