Abstract
The ionization rate behind shock waves in argon has been recalculated allowing for excitation and ionization by atom-atom collisions. Good agreement is obtained between these calculations and the experimental results of others for very pure argon. For pure argon, the initial rate of ionization is controlled by the rate of excitation from the ground state by means of atom-atom collisions. The atom-atom cross sections are several percent of the corresponding electron-atom cross sections. When the degree of ionization builds up to some value greater than 10−4, electron-atom collisions dominate, and then the ionization rate is controlled by the rate of energy transfer between ions and electrons by means of elastic collisions. The effect of impurities is considered and a relatively crude theory is proposed to explain the experimental observations. It is shown that one must be careful to distinguish between ionization times and luminosity delay times.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
