Experimental computation of the momentum transfer cross section in argon

The momentum transfer cross section Q_d for electrons in argon gas is computed from a solution of the Boltzmann equation using experimental values of electron swarm ionization and transport parameters as a guide to the choice of Q_d. Calculated values are presented of the first ionization coefficient α/N, the electron mobility μN, the electron diffusion coefficient ND, and the mean electron energy small epsilonbar above for an electron swarm in argon in the electric field/gas number density range 140<E/N<450 Td.