Ionization by Gamma-Rays and Cosmic Rays in Gases at High Pressure and High Collecting Fields

Abstract

Experimental test and theoretical considerations show that for the gamma-ray ionization measurements at high pressures by Clay and van Tijn at collecting fields of 5000-400 volt/cm there was no volume recombination. These measurements cannot be affected by criticism of Bowen and Cox founded on experiments with collecting fields of 1009-1.5 volt/cm. The theory advanced by the author that for all pressures the volume ionization is proportional to the pressure and that the wall ionization (produced by electrons ejected from the wall) is for high pressures independent of the pressure is verified by experiments in air and in argon for gamma-rays and for cosmic rays. This result removes the doubt expressed by Bowen and Cox on this point. For obtaining the saturation values at high pressures the Jaffé theory provides the only reliable method in existence.