Numerical Investigation of Non-equilibrium Electron Effects on the Collisional Ionization Rate in the Collisional-Radiative Model

Abstract

The interplay of kinetic electron physics and atomic processes in ultrashort laser-plasma interactions provides a comprehensive understanding of electron energy distribution's impact on plasma properties. Notably, non-equilibrium electrons play a vital role in collisional ionization, influencing ionization degrees and spectra. This paper introduces a computational model that integrates the physics of kinetic electrons and atomic processes, utilizing a Boltzmann equation for non-equilibrium electrons and a collisional-radiative model for atomic state populations. The model is used to investigate the influence of non-equilibrium electrons on collisional ionization rates and their effect on population distribution, as demonstrated by L. Young et al. (Nature, 2010). The study reveals significant non-equilibrium electron presence during XFEL-matter interactions, profoundly affecting collisional ionization rates in the gas plasma, thereby necessitating careful consideration of the Collisional-Radiative (CR) model applied to such systems.