Ionisation of long high pressure gas columns by relativistic electron beams

The experimental set-up being developed for relative electron beam studies has been described. It consists of: (1) a power supply to provide the pulse of energy for extracting the beam, (2) the omission diode for generation of the beam and (3) a test zone to investigate the interaction of beam with external fields and matter. A schematic of the diagnostics that is to be used is also explained. The experimental studies carried out are described. These are expected to be useful for ionisation or switching techniques. (K.B.)