Some comments on the relation between ionisation and ionisation current in gases at high pressures

Abstract

The phenomena which limit saturation in a high pressure ionisation chamber are examined with particular reference to the rôle played by preferential recombination. The complexity of the phenomena is discussed in detail in order to bring out the scope and limitations of the simple theory of preferential recombination and the conditions which a more complete theory would have to satisfy. It is pointed out that in a number of recent papers on the subject fundamental aspects of the problem have been overlooked, and the significance of these omissions is discussed.