Inelastic processes in a gas-discharge plasma of inert gases

The excitation rate constants of the lower excited states of inert gas atoms by electron impact in the gas-discharge plasma are determined with taking into account the self-consistent character of this process and the rates of similar processes in the plasma of alkali metals. The rate constants of the stepwise ionization in a uniform gas-discharge plasma of inert gases are determined. They are also determined in a nonunifom plasma if the nonuniformity is a result of the passage of a gas-discharge current. Based on the rates of these processes, the populations of lower excited levels are calculated in the case where the equilibrium in the gasdischarge plasma of inert gases is determined by inelastic collisions of electrons with atoms.