Low-temperature electrical discharge through solid xenon

A uniform self-sustained electrical discharge through solid xenon is realized and studied. The multiplication of electrons proceeds in the noble gas above the xenon crystal interface, whereas a positive feedback is realized on account of multiple exciton formation by excess electrons drifting through the crystal: molecular excitons emit VUV photons which knock out secondary electrons from photosensitive cathode. The discharge is stimulated by a short electrical spark along the sample axes. The electrical properties of the discharge and the electroluminescence spectra of solid xenon in the UV and visible are studied. Electrical discharge in solid xenon proves to be an effective source of UV radiation and a convenient tool for studying processes involving excitons and electrons in solid xenon at high pressures