THE MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRON DENSITY IN THE WAKE OF A HYPERVELOCITY PELLET OVER A SIX-MAGNITUDE RANGE
Abstract
A UHF cavity probe was used to determine the line densities and collision frequencies of electrons deposited in the wakes of spherical aluminum pellets. Density data were obtained over a wide dynamic range of up to six orders of magnitude. These density curves are characterized by a sudden drop of about three or more orders of magnitude which occurs when the wake has cooled to a critical temperature that is a function of pressure. The sudden drop is attributed to the oxygen-molecule attachment-detachment equilibria, while the final leveling portion of the wake is regulated by the positive-to-negative-ion recombination rate. The collision frequencies through out the entire density range are in agreement with those obtained through mobility studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0407965
Entities
People
- M. Labitt
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology