Review of Kinetic Theory



Molecules in an ideal gas have a Maxwellian velocity distribution:
kinetic_theory_1

with mean velocity:
kinetic_theory_2
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:
kinetic_theory_3

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

Knudsen Equation:


kinetic_theory_4
[where for convenience here P is in Torr, M in grams/mole, and J in molecules/cm2 second]

The mean free path of each molecule is:

kinetic_theory_5




Notation:

N = number of moles (or molecules)

v = absolute value of velocity vector v

m = molecular mass

k = Boltzmann's constant, 1.38x10-23 J/K

R = universal gas constant

M = molar mass

n = molar volume N/V

a = effective molecular diameter

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