Abstract
A one-dimensional nonuniform electric field model between parallel plane electrodes is used to study the behavior of electron swarms in spatially distorted electric fields such as that in the dc-sheath region near the anode. We investigate electron kinetics in the nonuniform field, taking into account the α-parameter associated with the ionization and the drift processes of electrons. The general expression of the α-parameter in the Boltzmann equation analysis using the arrival-time spectra (ATS) method is presented. Then, a demonstration of the swarm behavior is carried out using a Monte Carlo simulation to examine the validity of the parameter description.