Abstract
We derive analytical formulae for population of excited levels and degree of ionization of atoms not necessarily restricted to the Maxwellian distribution of the free electrons. The results are obtained from solving Boltzmann's equation with a simplified form of the inelastic collision term. Good agreement with numerical results of other authors is obtained.
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I would like to express a special word of thanks to Dr. E. Infeld and Dr. A. Skorupski for many valuable comments and for great assistance in proof-reading of the paper. I extend also my gratitude to Dr. A. Kuszell for very interesting discussions.
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Suckewer, S. Self-consistent theory of population, ionization and electron distribution. Z. Physik 247, 354–364 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01400935
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01400935