Abstract
Some of modern models used to describe TGF phenomenon and lightning ignition assume the existence of positive positron or gamma ray feedback. In this article we present some results of Monte-Carlo simulation of electromagnetic avalanches in atmospheric conditions and calculation of gain coefficient for both positron and gamma-ray feedback. The calculations were maid for realistic fields and acceleration cell sizes (up to 200 kV/m and 400 m respectively). The calculated gain coefficients for realistic fields and cell sizes are less than 10% which strongly discourages use of positron and gamma feedback model to describe TGF phenomenon and other gamma-production mechanisms in atmosphere under normal conditions. The simulation also shows possibility of selfsupporting positron feedback for extreme conditions like very high electric fields and very large cells.
Highlights
Despite decades of investigations and observations, there are gaps in physics of atmospheric discharge
Some observed effects connected to lightning generation lack explanation
The gain coefficient is calculated as a convolution of probabilities of producing valid particle on each step and applying all relevant cuts
Summary
Despite decades of investigations and observations, there are gaps in physics of atmospheric discharge. Nowadays the process of development of lightning after initial breakdown is widely known. The mechanism of cloud ionization which is required to produce initial breakdown is not described accurately. Some observed effects connected to lightning generation lack explanation. Terrestrial gamma ray flashes (TGFs) are closely correlated with thunderstorms. This phenomenon has several models but none of them are considered satisfying
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