Recording Decay of Electron Density in Ionized Gases

Abstract

This paper describes a method for the measurement and photographic recording of electron density loss in an ionized gas utilizing a microwave system operating near 9400 Mc. The region between initial density level (upon removal of a 24.5‐Mc ionizing voltage) and 500 μsec later was investigated. Examples of results obtained for commercial neon using this method of measurement are included. In general, it was observed that for commerical neon 90% of the electron density loss occurred within the first 250 μsec after removal of the ionizing voltage. The equipment used along with photographs of the arrangment, and the results obtained are discussed briefly.