Electron energy distributions have been obtained for electrically excited ${\mathrm{N}}_2$, CO, C${\mathrm{O}}_2$, and their mixtures by numerically solving the Boltzmann equation for conditions typical of electric discharges. Reported electron cross-section data have been used in the calculation. The calculated distribution functions were found to be markedly non-Maxwellian, having energy variations which reflect the important electron-molecule energy exchange processes. Solution of the electron energy conservation equation using these distribution functions revealed that vibrational and electronic excitation of ${\mathrm{N}}_2$, CO, and C${\mathrm{O}}_2$ dominates electron-molecule energy exchange processes for average electron energy in the 1-3-eV range typical of electric discharges. Electron-molecule vibrational excitation rates were also evaluated for a variety of gas mixtures and discharge conditions. The importance of these results to molecular gas-discharge lasers is discussed.

• Received 22 June 1970

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.2.1989