Electron-ion energy transfer rate

Abstract

The rate is derived for the energy transfer between electrons and ions each having a Maxwellian velocity distribution but with a different temperature. The many-body effect of the charged particle interaction is correctly taken into account. A more precise expression for the Coulomb logarithm is given than that obtained when the Coulomb potential is simply truncated at the Debye length or when instead the shielded Coulomb potential is used.