The Ionization of Neon, Krypton and Xenon by Bombardment with Accelerated Neutral Argon Atoms

Abstract

A series of experiments on the ionization of noble gases by accelerated noble gas atoms, with an electrometer method, is described. Preliminary measurements by Beeck showing little velocity dependence for ionization of argon by argon atoms between 50 and 100 volts, and showing an ionization of neon by argon atoms in this energy range are shown to be due mostly to secondary effects—principally to argon radiation. Positive evidence is given for the ionization of one noble gas by atoms of another, and onset potentials for ionization are found to be: 55 volts for argon bombarding xenon; 50 volts for argon bombarding krypton, and approximately 130 volts for argon bombarding neon.