Kinetics of nitrogen ions and atoms in afterglow

The memory curves for nitrogen-filled tube with and without additional ionization source have been recorded. The electrical breakdown initiation mechanisms have been discussed in the range of afterglow period from 3 ms to 300 s. For the late afterglow periods, in which the recombination of nitrogen ions is performed, i.e. in which the nitrogen atoms are responsible for initiation of SSE, the memory curve is sensitive on the overvoltage. γ-radiation of tube increases of plateau length in the ion part of memory curve as well as its fast saturation in the late afterglow. This indicates that the tube with spherical electrodes configuration presents very sensitive sensor for detection of emitted electrons and can be used for studying interaction of ionising radiation with cathode metal. (author)