Interpretation of Ion Yields in Binary Mixtures

Abstract

A formal interpretation of ion‐yield measurements in binary gaseous mixtures is given in terms of net constituent stopping powers averaged throughout the prevailing degradation spectrum. Subsequent inelastic bimolecular collisions as a source of ionization are not considered. Previously observed regularities in ion yields are consistent with the notion of a typical degradation spectral distribution, a function only of the radiation source. ``Deviations'' from additive‐mixture laws then stem from an oversimplified concept of additivity. An application to the energy‐partition problem in radiation chemistry follows from the formalism.