Effect of Electric Field Strength on the Gamma-Radiation-Induced Conductance of Liquid Alkanes

Abstract

The γ‐radiation‐induced conductance of liquid alkanes has been studied as a function of electric field strength, irradiation dose rate, and temperature over wide ranges. The conductance at fields below about 10² V/cm seems to be governed by electrode processes, but is not understood. The conductance at fields between about 10² and 10³ V/cm was explained earlier [G. R. Freeman, J. Chem. Phys. 39, 978 (1963)]. A theory developed by Onsager has been extended to explain the results at fields greater than 10³ V/cm. It appears that the number of electrons that escape their parent ions or spurs increases markedly with increasing field strength at high fields, but is nearly independent of temperature.