Disappearance of Trapped Hydrogen Atoms in Gamma-Irradiated Ice

Abstract

When ice is subjected to gamma-irradiation at 4.2° K, H and OH radicals are formed and are stabilized in approximately equivalent amounts. When the system is warmed to 77° K, all of the H and a portion of the OH disappear. The results of kinetic observations of the disappearance of H in irradiated ice at 4.2° to 77° K using electron spin resonance techniques are described. It is thought that the kinetic behavior may be due to intra-spur reactions, rather than isotropic processes. This is supported by the fact that the fractional rate of disappearance of H during continuous warming was found to be independent of the initial concentration.