TimeDomain CVD, Inc.

Review: Kinetic Theory

Molecules in an ideal gas have a Maxwellian velocity distribution:

with mean velocity:

Note in this formula you must use R in joules/kgm-mole!

The number of molecules impinging on a plane per square centimeter each second:

Leading to a very important result: the maximum possible deposition flux for a given partial pressure of precursor,

Knudsen Equation:

[where for convenience here P in Torr, M in grams/mole, J in molecules/cm2 second]

The mean free path of each molecule is:

Notation:

N = number of moles (or molecules)

v = absolute value of velocity vector v

m = molecular mass

k = Boltzmann's constant, 1.38E-23 J/K

R = universal gas constant

M = molar mass

n = molar volume N/V

a = effective molecular diameter