Plasma Kinetics in Atmospheric Gases

Investigation of the kinetic processes occurring in the atmospheric gases and low temperature plasmas of such gases is of great interest for numerous areas of modern physics and chemistry. This book discusses the basic principles of the theory of kinetic processes in molecular gases and low-temperature plasmas, including plasma-surface interaction. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of translational, rotational, vibrational and electronically excited state kinetics, coupled to the electron Boltzmann equation. Numerous data for molecular parameters, cross sections and rate coefficients for different relaxation processes are provided. These data are used to model and interpret the non-equilibrium phenomena in nitrogen, oxygen and their mixtures under different plasma conditions (gas discharges, ionosphere, space reentry, sound and shock wave propagation). This book will be very useful to all scientists and graduate students interested in plasma physics, plasma chemistry, physics of the ionosphere, chemistry and optics of the atmosphere, non-equilibrium aerodynamics and physical-chemical kinetics.