Nonthermal effects on multielectron ionization processes in Lorentzian plasmas

Abstract

The nonthermal effects on multielectron ionization by electron impact are investigated in generalized Lorentzian distribution plasmas. The Born-Bethe-type formula for the multielectron ionization cross section is employed in order to obtain the multiple-ionization rate as a function of the spectral index, ionization degree, and thermal energy. It is found that the ionization rate increases with an increase of the nonthermal character of the plasma. It is also found that the ionization rate increases with an increase of the plasma temperature. In addition, it is shown that the thermalization of the plasma strongly suppresses the multiple-ionization process. (C) 2008 American Institute Physics.