A NEW METHOD FOR ELECTRON-DRIFT VELOCITY-MEASUREMENT USING FREQUENCY-RESPONSE ANALYSIS

A simple method for the measurement of electron drift velocity in gase s under electric fields is presented. In this method, sinusoidally mod ulated electron current through the drift space is measured with a loc k-in amplifier in place of using two shutters. The phase delay of the electron current referred to the electron release rate from the cathod e gives an accurate mean transit time of electrons through the drift d istance between the cathode and anode. The results of preliminary meas urements of the electron drift velocity in argon are in good agreement with formerly reported data. In spite of simple procedures, this meth od will be useful for accurate measurements of electron drift velocity in various gases over wide ranges of the reduced electric field.