Multiterm solution of a generalized Boltzmann kinetic equation for electron and positron transport in structured and soft condensed matter

White, R.D., and Robson, R.E. (2011) Multiterm solution of a generalized Boltzmann kinetic equation for electron and positron transport in structured and soft condensed matter. Physical Review E, 84 (3). 031125. pp. 1-10.

[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevE...
 
31
1


Abstract

In this paper, we generalize the semiclassical Boltzmann kinetic equation for dilute gases to consider highly nonequilibrium electrons and positrons in soft condensed matter, accounting rigorously for all types of interactions, including positronium formation, and allowing for both coherent and incoherent scattering processes. The limitations inherent in the seminal paper of Cohen and Lekner [ M. H. Cohen and J. Lekner Phys. Rev. 158 305 (1967); Y. Sakai J. Phys. D 40 R441 (2007)] are avoided by solving the kinetic equation using a "multiterm" spherical harmonic representation of the velocity distribution function, as well as formulating a necessarily nonperturbative treatment of nonconservative collisional processes such as positronium formation. Numerical calculations of transport properties are carried out for a Percus-Yevick model of a hard-sphere system, and for positrons in liquid argon. New phenomena are predicted, including structure-induced negative conductivity and anisotropic diffusion.

Item ID: 21521
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1550-2376
Date Deposited: 05 Apr 2012 07:11
FoR Codes: 02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0202 Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics > 020201 Atomic and Molecular Physics @ 50%
02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0202 Atomic, Molecular, Nuclear, Particle and Plasma Physics > 020204 Plasma Physics; Fusion Plasmas; Electrical Discharges @ 50%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 1
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page