Ionization in Argon Mixtures by Electrons in an Electric Field

Abstract

A systematic investigation has been made on ionization in argon mixtures by electrons in a convergent field. Total filling pressure is 760 mmHg and the added impurities are organic vapors and inert gases. The ionization current increases by the addition of these impurities even when their ionization potentials are higher than the metastable potential of argon. The increase in ionization seems to become more remarkable as the ionization potential of the impurity lowers and the optimum concentration that gives a maximum ionization decreases with the effectiveness of the added impurities. From the result of a series of our measurement possibility of direct impact ionization and photoeletric ionization is suggested.