Absorption of Tritium Beta Particles in Hydrogen and Other Gases

Abstract

The absorption curves for tritium beta particles in hydrogen and helium have been determined by using a spherical ion chamber in which the particular gas serves both as the absorber and the ionization medium. The absorption curves give half-thickness values of 0.031 mg/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ for hydrogen and 0.061 mg/${\mathrm{cm}}^2$ for helium. From the saturation currents obtained wlth a given amount of tritium the relative energy requirement perion-pair has been measured for hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and argon. These values are compared with recent values in the literature.