Self-consistent electron-THF cross sections derived using data-driven swarm analysis with a neural network model

Abstract

We present a set of self-consistent cross sections for electron transport in gaseous tetrahydrofuran (THF), that refines the set published in our previous study [J. de Urquijo et al., J. Chem. Phys. 151, 054309 (2019)] by proposing modifications to the quasielastic momentum transfer, neutral dissociation, ionisation and electron attachment cross sections. These adjustments are made through the analysis of pulsed-Townsend swarm transport coefficients, for electron transport in pure THF and in mixtures of THF with argon. To automate this analysis, we employ a neural network model that is trained to solve this inverse swarm problem for realistic cross sections from the LXCat project. The accuracy, completeness and self-consistency of the proposed refined THF cross section set is assessed by comparing the analysed swarm transport coefficient measurements to those simulated via the numerical solution of Boltzmann's equation.