Two-peaked velocity distribution function of electrons in carbon tetrafluoride in crossed electric and magnetic fields

Monte Carlo simulation shows that the electron velocity distribution function (EVDF) in CF₄ in crossed electric and magnetic fields (E × B fields) has two peaks at low E/B values. The EVDF peaks are formed around a pair of points in velocity space at which electrons are stationary against the acceleration under the E × B fields and scattering by collisions with CF₄ molecules. The stationary points appear when the E/B value is lower than the electron speed at which the total electron collision frequency in CF₄ takes its minimum.