Polarization of Dielectrics by Nuclear Radiation. II. Gamma-Ray-Induced Polarization

Abstract

The electrical polarization produced in solid dielectrics by gamma ray bombardment is treated as a space charge resulting from the production and absorption of Compton electrons. For a gamma‐ray beam in equilibrium with secondary electrons, the calculated net space charge is negative in sign and decreases with distance in proportion to gamma ray attenuation. The distribution of polarization was studied experimentally by cutting away sections of irradiated carnauba wax and measuring the charge released on heating for each section. The relationship of thermally released charge to sample polarization and the effect of a temperature gradient are discussed.