Computational modeling of high pressure gas breakdown and streamer formation in external electric fields

The development of new computational models of gas breakdown for use in particle-in-cell (PIC) codes is described. These modeling efforts include fundamental processes associated with the breakdown of high pressure gases and represent key components in the comprehensive study of the physics of high-pressure gas switches. Two computational algorithms are discussed; a Monte Carlo type collision (MCC) model whereby PIC macro-particles undergo random elastic and inelastic interactions, and a semi-fluid scattering model.