Simple photoelectronic source for swarm experiments in high-density gases

Abstract

A simple photocathode for electron injection into high-density gas is described. Relatively large electronic current pulses have been obtained by using a commerical low-power xenon flash lamp. The photocathode efficiency has been studied as a function of the metal film thickness. The device has been used in swarm experiments at pressures up to 10 MPa in the temperature range 40–300 K.