On intense electron beam propagation through gas jets

Abstract

The structure of the ionization front created by an expanding high-intensity electron beam as it travels through ∼1 atm gas is considered theoretically. The velocity of the front, Vf, on the order of a few 10∧9 cms, is determined by the electric field ionization process. When decreasing the gas density, the velocity Vf decreases relatively slowly up to some threshold, after which it starts rapidly falling. The magnitude of Vf is higher for argon than for helium. These findings are supported by experimental observations. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.