Measurement of ionization and attachment coefficients in SF6 and xenon gas mixtures

Abstract

The Townsend first ionization coefficient α, electron attachment coefficient η and effective ionization coefficient ᾱ (=α - η) in SF6 and xenon gas mixtures were measured by the steady-state Townsend method for 22.6 ≤ E/p ≤ 94 V·mm-1·kPa-1 and mixture ratios of 10:90, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25 and 90:10. The limiting E/p in SF6-Xe, (E/p)lim, which represents E/p for α/P = n/P, was derived from the pre-breakdown current growth measurements, which varies approximately linearly with SF6 concentration in the SF6-Xe gas mixtures.