Kinetic theory of light-induced drift of gas particles

The full kinetic theory for light-induced drift (LID) is proposed. Fundamental features of the phenomenon which can be investigated without the solution of kinetic equations are analyzed. Grad's method generalized for the case of a gas in the presence of a radiation field is the basis for a more detailed theory. Together with the general analysis of transport equations there is a consideration of the influence of the velocity dependence of the collisional frequencies on LID parameters. For investigation of precision and limits of applicability of Grad's method we use the Lorentz model which permits us to obtain the exact solution under some conditions.